On the eve of the final party conferences before the next General Election‚ politicians up and down the country are being told to stop kissing babies and concentrate on wooing their grandparents in the coming months.

Our stark warning comes as the age campaigners publish an innovative election manifesto showing what older voters want

We are telling each party they must include firm manifesto commitments on the top election issues for older people‚ including pensions‚ the NHS‚ care and public services. If they don’t‚ they risk losing crucial support in the General Election. 

The over 50s are twice as likely to turn out to vote and research by the charity has revealed that the baby boomers are among the groups most likely to switch their party allegiance. The upcoming General Election could be the first to be determined by the ‘grey’ vote.

The demand is a wake-up call to politicians that millions of votes are up for grabs.   

In our manifesto‚ we call on the next UK Government to increase the state pension‚ combat ageism in everyday life; at work‚ in hospital and in consumer services and build effective public services that can support us all in an ageing society.

Age Concern Director General Gordon Lishman said:

“Politicians always love to kiss babies. But for this General Election every party must look beyond the babies to their grandparents if they want to make a real impression and win crucial votes from older people. 

“Ageing affects everyone. The decisions our politicians make matter to us all‚ whether we are anticipating the value of a pension or just starting to save‚ worrying about our independence or anxious about finding decent care for a relative.

“Age Concern’s manifesto presents a clear agenda for change. If politicians don’t listen to older people‚ they risk being punished at the ballot box.”

Notes for editors:

Please download a copy of the manifesto on this page

Radio producers please note: Age Concern offers an ISDN facility.  

Media contact:

Susanna Mordaunt
Telephone:
020 8765 7512/15
Out of hours
07071 243 243