Tributes have been pouring in for Baroness Sally Greengross, a former director general of Age Concern and a tireless champion for older people, who died on 23 June.
Baroness Greengross chaired the all party parliamentary group (APPG) on dementia, doing much to raise the profile of dementia and put it on the political agenda.
“It’s a testament to Sally’s energy and enthusiasm that she was involved in the APPG on Dementia for more than a decade, speaking passionately about the need to make urgent progress in this area,” said Shirley Cramer, interim CEO of Alzheimer’s Research UK.
“Colleagues have spoken of Sally’s willingness to help others and her determination to tackle and raise public awareness of young onset dementia, whilst leading all-party efforts to help break down the stigma.”
Professor Martin Green, International Longevity Centre (ILC) chair, paid tribute to an “inspirational leader, colleague and friend” who had set up the UK organisation as part of the ILC Global Alliance. “Sally has been one of the most influential figures in redefining how societies across the globe respond to demographic change and ageing,” he added.
The British Geriatric Society (BGS) said Baroness Greengross had been unfailingly supportive and was “full of ideas, invariably upbeat and constructive, despite political barriers to change.”
BGS president Dr Jennifer Burns praised her vision for a society in which generations co-exist with mutual respect and support: “We are sad to have lost such an important and articulate voice for older people, and are grateful for her friendship.” 