Government failing to ensure a decent life for older people as pensioner poverty spirals, according to a new report published today

This year, the Centre for Ageing Better’s analysis shows clearly that the state of ageing is getting worse and England is becoming an increasingly challenging country to grow old in, with pensioner poverty and levels of poor health increasing.

Their key findings include:

• England is becoming an increasingly challenging country to grow old in, with pensioner poverty and levels of poor health increasing.
• Fewer than 1 in 5 (19%) people feel enough is being done by the government to support an ageing population.
• Millions of people live in homes that are damaging their health and wellbeing, with one estimate (opens new window) suggesting that 21.5% of excess winter deaths may be due to cold housing
• Half of the 4 million non-decent homes in England – those that fail to meet basic decency criteria as defined by the government – are headed by someone aged 60 or over.
• Only 9% of homes have all four accessibility features
• More than two thirds (68%) support appointing an independent Commissioner to safeguard the rights of older people.

The Centre for Ageing better are calling for an Older People's Commissioner for England with statutory powers to be enshrined in law, as had been done in Wales and Northern Ireland. They are also seeking a cross-departmental strategy to coordinate government activity and reduce inequality as we age.