Older people 'ignored by society'

Nearly eight out of 10 over-60s think older people are ignored by society, according to a new survey.

Age UK, the new charity which combines Age Concern and Help the Aged, asked more than 1,000 people aged 60 plus how they thought older people were treated.

Some 78% said "ignored" and 80% said older people's voices were not heard as much as younger people's.

Almost two-thirds (64%) said they believed working people had a greater voice than those who were retired.

The survey was released as Age UK launches a new television campaign which starts on Monday during the ITV1 soap Emmerdale. The adverts feature the faces of actors Brian Cox, Sir Ian McKellen and Eleanor Bron, who are all over 60, but the voices of different older people from around the UK.

The survey also found 95% of those questioned thought getting older should be a time of enjoyment and celebration and Age UK wants older people from across the country to tell their inspiring stories.

Michelle Mitchell, Age UK's charity director, said: "As a group within society, people in later life often feel ignored and this research clearly demonstrates how this is a reality experienced by the majority. Ageing can present many challenges, particularly for those experiencing disadvantage. Age UK campaigns and provides services and solutions to help improve later life.

"However, we believe an ageing society presents tremendous opportunities that should rightly be celebrated and it is heartening to see that this is a belief held by such a high percentage of those polled. The search to find these inspirational stories is just one way to celebrate later life and is a first step in ensuring that the voices of people in later life are heard loud and clear."

The campaign is been fronted by Diana Moran, best known as television fitness expert The Green Goddess.

:: YouGov questioned 1,076 adults aged 60 and above online between April 9 and 12. The figures were weighted and are representative of all 60 plus adults in Britain.