Now is chance to address inequalities affecting older people says Sheffield health boss

Many have relied on grandparents to be readily available to look after children and attend to other household tasks when at work, or enjoying some much-needed leisure time.

I know I looked forward to my share of these and so both my family and I have lost out during my self-isolation.

Parents working remotely from home, often with the added responsibility of assisting with the education of children, felt keenly the loss of the grandparent support they had relied on.

Additionally grandparents - and I was no different - missed this contact, which made self-isolation more challenging.

Yes, we could have had online contact, as we have with colleagues/friends, but this is no substitute for a reassuring hug with our loved ones.

The crisis in our care homes reminds us we have to rethink our image of the elderly with ill health and fragility.

We have to aspire to a society where the elderly work longer and/or retire if they choose, more healthier than ever before.

There is much concern about health inequalities and that applies to the elderly too, who have suffered terribly, particularly in some care homes, in spite of dedicated staff.

We must use the pandemic as a catalyst for sustainable change, not only revitalising our care homes, but our respect for the elderly who have made us what we are.

The image of them just existing in retirement must be changed, for them to live healthier and happier lives.

They cannot do this alone, they do not want to be a burden, they want to contribute their experience and vitality.

We rely on them to keep us going, so they can expect us to ensure they get the services and support they need.

The government ensuring we have safe and welcoming care homes, rather than somewhere the elderly would enter with trepidation, is an essential first step.

Many have dedicated providers and staff, but lack the government resolving outstanding issues regarding finance and affordability.

As we address inequalities, the elderly must be included on the list of priorities, as well as those needing good employment and education.

After all they can support these, as they always have.