THE new South Ayrshire Ageing Well strategy and action plan was officially launched at an event at the Gaiety Theatre in Ayr.

South Ayrshire has been working with communities to help tackle the issues associated with the area’s ageing population, which is the fastest-growing in Scotland.

The event was an opportunity to bring together key people who helped develop the strategy which kick starts this social movement.

This included members of staff from community planning, subject experts from across Scotland, as well as community members who have played an active role in both developing and reviewing the planned actions being taken forward.

Councillor Julie Dettbarn, chair of the South Ayrshire community planning partnership board, said, “It is great to see the launch of our new Ageing Well strategy, the strategy absolutely aims to celebrate the contributions that older people make to their communities – often the unsung childcare providers, informal carers and volunteers.

“The strategy and action plan are a breath of fresh air, recognising opportunities as well as challenges. This strategy is the start of our ageing well social movement which will be implemented and nurtured for many years to come.”

As well as launching the strategy, guests were also treated to the premiere of a new play, which was co-produced with members of the public over 50 years of age who live in South Ayrshire.

This play explores the realities of stigma associated with being older and the connections which can be made between generations when these stigmas are set aside.

The new Ageing Well strategy, as well as other linked pieces of work, can now be viewed on the Ageing Well website pages provided by the South Ayrshire health and social care partnership.