British society is missing out on a massive contribution the elderly could play because too many people are simply waiting for them to die, the Archbishop of Canterbury has warned. In his last speech in the House of Lords before he steps down, Dr Rowan Williams said too many older people being were being tolerated rather than valued and that the extremes of human life – childhood and old age – were both being sidelined because of an eccentric idea that only those in the so-called prime of life could make a contribution. He warned that the tendency to view older people as “dependants” or a “problem” was the root cause of neglect and abuse yet their unpaid care or volunteering work was worth the equivalent of at least £50 billion. Despite this, older people are routinely seen as “passive” and dependants instead of an asset, he said.

Pray: for greater understanding that all groups in society have value (Matt.25:40)

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