A CHARISMATIC campaigner for older people's rights is due to make a rallying speech at the first annual general meeting of York Older Citizens' Advocacy (OCAY).

Jack Anderson, chairman of the Leeds Older People's Forum, will tell York's mature residents how they can make a difference to society.

Penny Hutchinson, OCAY project manager, said that Mr Anderson would tell the meeting "the sky is the limit" for older people.

She said: "Jack Anderson is a much sought-after speaker whose work with over 90 groups in Leeds has resulted in better service provision for older people.

"Over 34 per cent of York's population is aged 50 or over, and over 20 per cent is aged 60 or over.

"That is a huge amount of people with a huge amount of time and skills to offer, if they are given the opportunity to offer them.

"Anything and everything is a possibility. We must be more open-minded about the sort of roles available to older people.

"People are living longer these days, some are retiring early and are often finding a whole new lease of life when they do." Ms Hutchinson said older people very often had a lifetime of experience, wisdom and the common sense to be able to look at the bigger picture.

OCAY manager Tony Brindle said: "At the AGM we hope to celebrate our success and also look forward to the future."

OCAY's AGM is on Monday, at the Denham Room, Priory Street Centre, between 5pm and 6.30pm. All are welcome. For more details ring Tony Brindle on 01904 676200.

Meanwhile, an open meeting has been scheduled for the following day to discuss the constitution of York Older People's Assembly.

The assembly was set up to bring together older people's groups throughout York to enable them to speak with one voice. York Older People's Forum, a separate body from OCAY, will still operate as an independent organisation.

The open meeting is at 2pm on Tuesday, in room two, Central Methodist Church, St Saviourgate, York. For more information, phone Derek Shaw on 01904 634661 or 652846.

Updated: 08:33 Wednesday, August 28, 2002