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Campaign to introduce aMinister for older people - petition

(10 Posts)
BlueBelle Wed 13-Jun-18 04:39:18

Sodapop totally agree

Luckygirl Tue 12-Jun-18 22:45:21

I have never been convinced that ministers for anything make a jot of difference! - but very laudable aims of course.

OldMeg Tue 12-Jun-18 22:38:29

I thought there already was one.

NanTheWiser Tue 12-Jun-18 22:24:57

Thank you! Keep 'em coming!

winterwhite Tue 12-Jun-18 20:23:08

Signed, and thank you Nanthewiser. The 2nd and 3rd small paras of your post are very true, and the reasons why I signed.
To pick out one thing, the crisis around lack of capacity in the long-term care system has been discussed for at least 20 years. The Dilnot report was kicked into the long grass. Nothing takes its place.
To pick out another, older people with failing eyesight are rightly discouraged from driving; at the same time rural bus services are withdrawn. Local action groups propose partial remedies such as a later introduction of senior bus passes or an annual charge, like railcards. Nothing happens.
The answer is always that a root-and-branch solution is just round the corner.
Is all this partly because an older people’s portfolio is not seen as career-enhancing for ambitious young ministers?

sodapop Tue 12-Jun-18 19:33:47

And one for young people and one for middle aged people, just to be inclusive you understand.

Cherrytree59 Tue 12-Jun-18 19:00:31

Signed - me
Signed - DH

Oopsadaisy53 Tue 12-Jun-18 18:46:36

Signed

NanTheWiser Tue 12-Jun-18 17:47:36

Clicky link: petition.parliament.uk/petitions/220923

NanTheWiser Tue 12-Jun-18 17:46:28

There is a campaign under way (backed by a national newspaper) for the Prime Minister to introduce a Minister for older people, to protect the needs of older people (particularly the over-65s) and represent them by listening to their voices.
The State Pension in the UK is the lowest in Europe, in terms of the average earnings it replaces.
Care funding has been cut meaning that it is becoming more difficult to qualify for care in the home, and care homes are closing at an alarming rate.
Many pensioners are living in poverty and one in three households of over 75s live in housing which has failed the official decent homes standard.
There is a perceived view by younger generations that we are all living it up and gallivanting on Saga cruises or jumping out of aeroplanes. (Well, some might be, but they must be in a very small minority!)
I could write a lot more, but you get the gist.
There is a government petition that has just gone online, so if you would like to sign it here is the link:https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/220923
You will need to fill in your name and email address, then confirm by clicking the email that is sent - you will not receive any unwanted mail by doing so.
I feel this is important for us to do - I have already signed, and the more of us who do so, the more likely action might be taken.
Thank you.