Each June, National Age Without Apology Month, is a time to challenge negative stereotypes and cultural biases around aging. Since its inception in 2017, this month-long observance has grown in visibility and impact, shining a light on the power of positive aging and advocating for a society where every individual, regardless of age, is respected, valued, and celebrated.
At UK Fostering, we see ageism in action more often than you might think. Sometimes, it’s embedded in casual comments from applicants’ adult children “Shouldn’t you be slowing down at your age?” directed at people in their 50s or 60s who are exploring fostering! Other times, it’s the wider community casting doubt on the capabilities of retired or semi-retired individuals. These biases can be subtle but harmful, reinforcing the idea that older adults have less to offer.
The reality couldn’t be more different. In fact, your 50s or 60s might be the ideal time to become a foster carer. Your own children may have flown the nest, and you might be searching for a meaningful new chapter – one that allows you to be home-based yet still active, involved, and impactful. Fostering allows you to use your hard-earned life experience and parenting (or grandparenting) wisdom to make a lasting difference.
There is a growing need for foster carers of all ages, especially for those willing to support older children, teenagers, or sibling groups. These placements often require the kind of time, patience, and emotional availability that older adults are uniquely positioned to offer. Many foster carers also thrive in parent and child assessment roles, where they provide guidance and support in your home to struggling parents in a safe, nurturing environment.
To be a foster carer, age is not a barrier, but certain practical considerations remain important. You’ll need some basic IT skills (or a willingness to learn), the ability to drive, and access to a car for school runs, family contact, and appointments, and be in reasonable health. Most importantly, you’ll need the capacity to give your time and attention to children who need stability, understanding, and care.
This National Age Without Apology Month, we encourage you to see age as your superpower not your setback. Whether you’re retired, semi-retired, or simply looking for your next adventure, fostering could be the fulfilling path for which you’ve been searching. Because when it comes to making a difference, there is no expiration date on compassion.
Interested in fostering?
Contact us at UK Fostering or call 0345 222 0518 and discover how you can change a child’s life.
Further reading
https://ukfostering.org.uk/grandparents-the-kids-need-you/