Stop ignoring the demands and needs of an ageing population: In Government there is not and never has been a Minister, senior social or other post holder such as a ‘Commissioner’ or ‘Tsar’, or any cross cutting unit or Government strategy on an ageing society.

Stop delivering communities which fail to deliver beyond the basics: Sadly, many communities are even failing to provide the basics of public toilets and places to rest. A fear of falling and of crime acts as a barrier to getting out and about for many older people. We must deliver a more ambitious vision for our communities: of places which are fun and engaging for all ages, whilst also reducing the risk of isolation and loneliness.

End the discrimination: Age discrimination remains a barrier to the participation of older people in society. Legislation has gone some way to prevent discrimination but policymakers must ensure that older people are not prevented from accessing products and services simply because of their age. We all need to play a part in normalising ageing.

Reverse the decline in new and appropriate housing stock for older people: The numbers of new retirement homes being built are being allowed to fall at the same time as the numbers of older people are rapidly increasing. Too few new homes are being built. Those which are, are too often not accessible or adaptable for old age.

Stop ignoring the crisis in social care: Government investment in social care is sharply shrinking while the numbers of older people who need it are rising, yet good social care saves public money by reducing and postponing older people’s need for expensive acute hospital care and helps them to live independently for longer. Good social care for older people also allows family members to keep in employment – so they are not forced to choose between work and caring for an older relative.

Stop operating hospitals on a model designed for the past: Hospitals of the 21st Century are increasingly made up of older patients with complex needs. Sta ratios on hospital wards dedicated to older people, many of them with dementia, are typically lower than those in general wards. Yet we know that these older people often have greater need of help with essentials like eating and drinking.

Stop under-utilising older people: The over 65s in the UK currently spend around £2.2 billion per week (£114 billion per annum) on goods and services. Assuming the spending of the 65+ population rises in line with annual in ation of 2%, their spending will reach over £6 billion per week by 20377. People aged 65 and over in the UK last year contributed £61bn to the economy through employment, informal caring and volunteering. Yet almost four in ten workers aged 55-64 are not working. And almost half of the unemployed of this age range are in long term unemployment. We must do more to maximise the social and economic contribution of older people.” …