Political parties have no clear plans for older people

Just 13 per cent of people believe Labour has the clearest policies and proposals for older people, while 9 per cent believe it is the Conservatives and only 3 per cent believe it is the Liberal Democrats. The research also found that dementia tops the list of conditions that people over 55 fear most in later life, beating heart disease, stroke and cancer.

 Neil Hunt, Chief Executive of Alzheimer's Society says, 

The results will torment political parties who will rely on votes from an ageing British population to win the next election. Pensioners now out number children in the UK for the first time and by 2025 about half of those who vote in a general election will be over 50.[i]

Political parties need clear proposals for older people to win the next election. Above all, political parties must make a strong commitment to tackle dementia, the condition which older people fear most.

Dementia is where cancer was in the 1950's and we need investment now if we are to tackle this devastating condition. One in three people over 65 die with dementia; how we tackle it will define the success of any future Government. The first ever National Dementia Strategy for England will be published in November and all parties must ensure it has the proper funding. In the coming months we will be asking the parties about their commitment to the strategy.

[i] Age Concern (December 2006) Winning in 2009, The importance of the Baby Boomers.

Find out more about the National Dementia Strategy for England