Member Article

Linley & Simpson takes ‘age friendly’ pledge

LEEDS ESTATE AGENT OPENS NEW DOORS FOR OLDER PEOPLE AFTER SIGNING AGE FRIENDLY PLEDGE

A LEEDS estate agent has pledged to create a more friendly and welcoming environment for the city’s growing number of older people.

As part of its community support programme, Linley & Simpson has signed up to a new Age Friendly Charter.

Its Chapel Allerton branch has backed the initiative that makes sure older people feel comfortable and valued by opening up its office if they want to take time out for a rest or use the toilet.

In doing so, it joins the local council, police, housing associations, businesses, community groups and charities in helping to reduce loneliness and isolation among older people.

Paul Bridgeman (pictured), Branch Manager of Linley & Simpson in Chapel Allerton said: “Leeds is a great place to live and age well.

“There are many life changes that can contribute to a person’s isolation and make them feel unsupported and lonely.

“By signing up to this Charter, we are showing that our job does not stop simply by opening doors to new properties for homebuyers and renters. We are also committed to opening our office environment for those older people who wish or need to use it - for whatever reason.

“We strive to be at the heart of the local community and give something back to it wherever possible.

“This ‘Come in and rest’ idea builds on a raft of initiatives we have launched to support the people of Chapel Allerton - from sponsoring its popular arts festival, to attending school careers fairs, and installing a life-saving defibrillator on our premises to help people who may be having a heart attack.”

Latest research shows there are around 250,000 people in Leeds aged 50 and over; 150,000 aged 60 and over; and 30,000 aged 80 or over. These figures are set to grow rapidly.

Many of these live in one-person households. And despite medical advances, around 2-in-5 Leeds pensioners struggle with a long-term health condition such as diabetes, arthritis or dementia.

The Charter has been initiated as part of Leeds’ membership of the global network of Age Friendly cities, run by the World Health Organisation.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by richard chew .