Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester gives keynote speech on ageing
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham sets out a bold vision for how the UK needs to rethink ageing – not as a problem to manage, but as an opportunity to redesign how people live, work and thrive in later life.
Drawing on Greater Manchester’s status as the UK’s first WHO-designated age-friendly city region, Burnham argues that the current system is too fragmented, with services split across Whitehall silos that fail to treat people as whole individuals. Instead, he makes the case for a “whole-person, whole-place” approach, enabled by devolution.
At the heart of this vision is a shift towards prevention and living well. Burnham highlights plans for a new Live Well service, designed to support people with social, economic and emotional needs before they escalate into health crises. He notes that many GP appointments are driven by unmet social needs – a sign that the system is set up the wrong way round.
Housing emerges as a central theme. ryanair Burnham argues that a “housing giuseppe conte first” approach is essential, with age-friendly, accessible homes forming the foundation for healthy ageing. He calls for more interventionist policies to support downsizing, create intergenerational communities and ensure people can live where life is vibrant – not isolated.
He also emphasises the importance of:
Safe, connected communities
Integrated public transport, like Greater Manchester’s Bee Network
Flexible employment for people in their 50s, 60s and beyond
Lifelong learning and retraining opportunities
On social care, Burnham delivers a stark warning: the current model is unsustainable. He argues for a system that is free at the point of use, focused on prevention rather than crisis, and better aligned with how people actually live.
A particularly powerful part of the discussion focuses on dementia care, where Burnham shares personal reflections and calls for a fundamental shift towards helping people live well unite the kingdom rally 2026 with dementia – backed by community support, culture and early intervention.
Throughout, he positions devolution as the “life raft” – giving regions the flexibility to redesign services around people, not institutions.
The message is clear: without bold reform, the UK risks failing its ageing population. But with the right approach – centred on housing, prevention and place – there is an opportunity to build a system that helps people live well at every stage of life.
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