Tell MPs that we need a Commissioner for Older People!
- National Pensioners Convention
- 32 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Today (17th April) marks the two year anniversary of the launch of the campaign by Independent Age, Age UK, the Centre for Ageing Better and the National Pensioners Convention to establish a Commissioner for Older People and Ageing in England.
We worked with over 70 organisations who supported the campaign and over 37,000 of you, who signed our petition calling for a Commissioner for Older People and Ageing in England. The role would move toward the approach of Wales and Northern Ireland, where older people have benefitted from a Commissioner for more than 10 years.
But two years on from the launch, older people are still facing significant challenges to living with dignity, respect and financial independence.
These include:
Financial hardship - pensioner poverty has increased over the last decade. Currently around 2.1 million people over 65 live in poverty, yet Pension Credit, an essential income top-up for older people who are struggling financially, has one of the lowest uptakes of all income-related benefits. One in five people aged 50-70 say they will be unable to meet future financial needs in old age.
The cost-of-living crisis – increasing prices are having a devastating impact on older people. When surveyed, 27% of people over 65 in England said the rise in the cost of living has made their physical health worse and 35% said it has made their mental health worse.
Older workers dropping out of the workforce earlier – two thirds of people in their 50s and 60s report a long-term health condition, and a third say their health impacts their ability to work.
Health and social care - many older people frequently suffer from diminishing health and mobility. Yet the delivery of health and social care services to older people so often fails.
Inclusion - digital, social and economic. Many older people still cannot access the internet – either due to cost or simply through lack of knowledge or confidence. At the same time, older people are seeing local transport services being reduced. This is leading to increased feelings of isolation.
Photographs from the campaign launch 17th April 2023
The recent report by the Women and Equalities Committee (WEC) has warned that ‘widespread’ and ‘culturally embedded’ ageism requires stronger legal protections against age discrimination and a new cross-Government strategy to address the challenges and opportunities posed by the UK’s ageing population,
We’re pleased to say the committee has recommended that the UK Government look into how a Commissioner for Older People and Ageing could work to be a voice for later life, which is a huge step forward.
If created an independent commissioner in England would encourage collaboration and joined-up thinking to deliver policy solutions that benefit everyone as they age. They could make independent recommendations and have the power to launch inquiries to resolve issues for older people now and in the future. They would represent and amplify different views on the problems that older people say they are struggling with.
That's why we need your help to make sure older people's voices are heard. By emailing your MP, you can urge them to recommend the creation of a Commissioner for Older People and Ageing. Together we can push the UK Government to act now and show their commitment to tackling the range of diverse challenges older people face.
Your email can make a real difference. Will you speak up and email your MP today?
Or write to your MP - https://members.parliament.uk/FindYourMP