I am not sure I would call it "loosing their identity" Mick. In fact, what is a pensioner? You seem to be defining "pensioner" as someone who has reached state pension age but that no longer defines many people. Many go on working past this age, perhaps using their state pension to enable them to work part-time. State pension age is, in itself, later now than it was.
You ask if the Government is causing what you see as a loss of identity but what you really seem to be saying is you object to certain things they have done because it means that those who have reached state pension age have lost any preferential status. To be honest I could never see why those who have reached state pension age (SPA) should have such a feeling of entitlement. Why should they receive higher tax allowances. The tax allowance rises for SPA were paused but now everyone gets the same increase in personal allowance. I realise it can be more costly for older people simply because of age related factors but it is almost always more costly to work. It simplifies the system and cuts costs so I feel it is a perfectly acceptable change to the system.
I have to admit I don't agree with "perks" either and they are only necessary because someone living on just the SP plus Pension Credit (a figure which basically equals the amount of the new single tier pension) is living at only a few pounds over the poverty level. There are other ways of solving this other than giving people financial pats on the head and benefits. A living pension (£10 - £12,000) would be a good idea although personal allowances may have to come down - or tax up - to pay for it.
