Ten years ago a group of older people got together to form an organisation to discuss and campaign on concerns affecting older people in Gateshead. They are still going strong as the Gateshead Older People's Assembly.
The Assembly is widely accepted as the representative voice of Gateshead's older people. It produces a regular newsletter called "the Voice" which has a range of interesting information, articles from members and even puzzles.
It also organises trips and events and training sessions. Earlier this year, willing local teenagers and members of the Gateshead Youth Assembly were on hand to show older residents how to access the features on their own mobile phones.
The group even has a Facebook page where technologically-minded older people can chat about the issues that face them.
I'm not too hot myself on these things but it's important that the digital divide is bridged as computers, broadband and social networking sites are becoming more and more common means of communication. I identify with those older people who don't want to be left behind.
As a former care worker, I have been working to get the best possible deal for our older people and the Assembly is a vital part of making sure that the older part of our community is not neglected.
If you would like to become a member of Gateshead Older People's Assembly contact them by calling 0191 438 1721 or e-mailing admin.assembly@btconnect.com
But it would be wrong to think that older people are the only ones who need to catch up. Perhaps it's because so many have direct or indirect experience of war - and we have all been reminded of this by the 65th anniversary of D Day - but they rightly use their hard-won civic rights more than many young people.
Older people turn out in greater numbers to vote in elections. Some commentators have remarked on the growth of grey power. I wholeheartedly welcome their participation in voting and would urge others to follow suit and to press their views with public representatives like myself.
I am involved with a community organisations across the Blaydon Constituency. If you would like to contact me in relation to a local voluntary, community group or charity please feel free to contact me.
| Promoted by Paul Foy on behalf of Dave Anderson, both of St Cuthbert's Church Hall, Shibdon Road, Blaydon, NE21 5PT |