OLDER people in Wales must not be left behind by the new Welsh Government, the Older People’s Commissioner has warned.

Rhian Bowen-Davies has written to First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth calling for urgent action to protect the rights, safety and well-being of older people across Wales.

The Commissioner said the new Government must use the momentum of the recent election to deliver practical change, particularly in health care, cost-of-living support, digital access and employment.

One of her key demands is an action plan to end so-called “corridor care”, where patients are treated in non-clinical areas because of pressure on hospitals.

The Commissioner said older people are disproportionately affected because they are the main users of hospital services, and warned that corridor care raises serious concerns around dignity, safety and patient rights.

She is also calling for more support for older people struggling financially, with living costs expected to rise sharply in the months ahead as a result of the conflict in the Middle East.

Ms Bowen-Davies wants the Welsh Government to establish a new Resilience Fund for older people who are in financial difficulty but do not qualify for other help, such as Pension Credit.

She has also urged ministers to do more to identify older people who are missing out on financial support they are entitled to.

It is estimated that more than £100m in support went unclaimed in Wales last year, remaining with the Treasury instead of reaching older people’s pockets.

Digital exclusion is another major concern raised in the letter. The Commissioner said public bodies must ensure services remain accessible and inclusive as more information and support moves online.

She is calling on the Welsh Government to examine whether public organisations have the guidance they need to design digital services that do not shut older people out.

The letter also highlights the contribution older people make to Wales through work, volunteering and unpaid care, which is worth billions of pounds each year.

The Commissioner said better support for older workers to remain in work, or return to employment, could boost the Welsh economy by around £1bn a year.

Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Rhian Bowen-Davies, said: “It’s vital we capitalise on the energy and momentum that’s been generated by a historic election and the formation of a new Government to deliver meaningful, positive change for older people.

“Growing older in Wales is a positive experience for many people and we have strong foundations from which to build progress and change, not least the invaluable strength, resilience and support within our communities.

“But there is still much to do to ensure older people can access the services and support they need to live and age well, and that their rights are protected and upheld.

“And while much of the change required to enable this will need to be delivered over the longer-term, it is my view that action must be prioritised in a number of key areas.

“That’s why I’m calling on the First Minister to take urgent action to end the corridor care crisis, ensure older people can access cost-of-living support if they need it and to prevent exclusion in an increasingly digital world.

“I have requested a meeting with him to discuss these issues and how to resolve them in more detail, and look forward to receiving a response from him soon.”

DOG owners are being warned that their pet may not enjoy being hugged, even if they appear to tolerate it.

Behaviour expert Jo Hinds, a COAPE-certified behaviourist and Dynamic Dog Practitioner at Years, says hugging is a very human way of showing affection, but it is not always natural or comfortable for dogs.

She said: “Some dogs learn to tolerate hugs because they trust their owner, but tolerance is not the same as enjoyment.

“If a dog goes still, turns their head away, repeatedly licks you, licks their lips or tries to move out of the interaction, they are giving important information.”

The issue, she says, is not affection itself, but restraint. A hug can place pressure around a dog’s body, limit movement and remove their ability to choose whether to stay in the interaction.

Some dogs may enjoy leaning against their owner, sitting close by or resting near them, but being held tightly can feel stressful, especially for dogs that are worried, older, sore or overwhelmed.

Families are being urged to be especially careful with children, who may naturally want to cuddle dogs tightly.

Jo said: “Children often hug dogs because they love them. The intention is sweet, but dogs need space and choice.

“A dog who is uncomfortable may show several small warning signs before they growl, snap or move away. If those signs are missed, the situation can escalate.

“That is why children should be taught that dogs are not teddy bears. They are living animals with boundaries.”

Warning signs that a dog may not like being hugged include turning their head away, lip licking, yawning, showing the whites of the eyes, going still or stiff, ears moving back, a tucked or low tail, trying to move away, lifting a paw, panting when not hot, avoiding eye contact, growling or snapping.

Jo added: “A still dog is not always a calm dog. Freezing can be a major sign that a dog is uncomfortable.

“Many people assume a dog is fine because they have not growled or snapped, but dogs often show much earlier signs first.”

Owners are also being warned not to punish a dog for growling.

Jo said: “Growling is communication. It is a dog saying they are uncomfortable and need the situation to change.

“If a dog is punished for growling, they may stop giving that warning in future. That can make interactions less safe because the dog has fewer ways to say they are struggling.”

Instead, owners should calmly stop the interaction and give the dog space.

Jo recommends using a simple “three-second rule” when showing affection. Stroke the dog gently for around three seconds, then pause and see what they do.

If the dog leans in, nudges for more or stays relaxed, they may be happy to continue. If they move away, turn their head, lick their lips or disengage, stop.

She said: “Affection should be a conversation, not something we do to them regardless of how they feel.

“Dogs can love their owners deeply and still dislike being held tightly. Those two things can both be true.

“My advice is simple: stop assuming your dog wants to be hugged, and start noticing how they ask for affection instead. Most dogs will show you what they enjoy when we give them the chance.”

Better ways to show affection include letting the dog come to you, stroking gently on the chest, shoulder or side, sitting near them without holding them, playing or training together, and making sure they have a safe space where they can retreat without being followed.

Families are advised not to let children hug dogs tightly, climb on dogs, disturb sleeping dogs, or call a dog back for more cuddles if it has chosen to move away.

New research says 86 per cent feel they have fewer chances to connect and create than previous generations

YOUNG people in Wales are being left with “nowhere to go” as rising costs, poor transport and the decline of community spaces make it harder to meet, create and build confidence, new research suggests.

A study commissioned by the Roundhouse found that 86 per cent of 18-to-30-year-olds in Wales believe they have fewer in-person opportunities than previous generations to connect with others, be creative and build confidence outside school or work.

The findings point to growing concern over a generation increasingly pushed online, with fewer affordable places to meet, perform, volunteer, learn new skills or take part in creative activities.

More than a third of young people questioned cited a lack of safe spaces, including youth clubs, community centres and civic venues, as one of the biggest barriers to feeling connected to a community.

Financial pressures were also identified as a major issue, with 43 per cent pointing to the cost of activities, transport and participation.

More than half said they did not have enough access to creative opportunities and spaces such as music, performance, arts and dance, while one in five said most of their social interaction now takes place online.

For many young people in rural parts of Wales, those barriers can be even more pronounced, with limited public transport, fewer youth facilities and rising costs making it harder to access opportunities outside school, college or work.

The findings come amid growing concern about youth anxiety, loneliness and economic inactivity. Former Labour cabinet minister Alan Milburn recently warned of an “anxious generation” struggling to adapt to working life.

Marcus Davey CBE, Chief Executive and Artistic Director of the Roundhouse, said: “This research paints a worrying picture of life for many young people in Britain today.

“Too often, opportunities to build belonging, confidence and creativity are shaped by cost, postcode and access.

“Places like the Roundhouse are part of the solution, providing safe, affordable spaces where young people can connect, develop skills, improve wellbeing and access life-changing opportunities.

“No young person’s future should depend on where they grew up or what they can afford.”

The Roundhouse, a youth charity and multi-arts venue based in Camden, London, has also released its 20-year impact report, marking £50 million invested in more than 100,000 young people since it reopened as a youth arts charity in 2006.

It says it has delivered more than 35,000 creative sessions and provided 60,000 hours of studio time from £1 an hour.

The organisation has now launched a Young Creatives Commission with the Centre for Young Lives, aimed at exploring how access to arts and creative opportunities can be rebuilt.

The research was carried out online by Research Without Barriers between May 15 and May 18, 2026, and surveyed 1,002 UK adults aged between 18 and 30.

However, the Wales-only sample size was not disclosed, meaning the findings should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.