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Newly formed band The Zimmers hope to rock up the music chart when their cover version of The Who  song “My Generation” is released on Monday 28 May. The single, recorded by a 40-strong band all aged over 60, will raise money for the charity Age Concern.

Band members recorded the song at the famous Abbey Road studios in London as the finale to a BBC2 documentary to be shown on Monday 28 May. The programme highlights the social issues facing older people in the UK, in particular feelings of isolation, and challenges preconceptions of what it means to be old.

Band member Buster Martin, aged 100, from London is thought to be Britain’s oldest employee. Winnie Warburton, aged 99 from Derbyshire, is known to her MPs for campaigning for more money for pensioners. Peter Oakley, 79 from Leicestershire, has already had a moment in the spotlight for his Geriatic 1927 internet blog.

Gordon Lishman, Director General of Age Concern, said: “The fantastic energy of the band members shows that age is cause for celebration not commiseration. For many older people, later life is not a time for pipe and slippers but for enjoying all sorts of pursuits that they may not have been able to take up in their youth.

“However, for some older people, life changes such as bereavement and illness can prevent them from keeping up their social networks. Millions of older people are living in isolation1 and missing out on regular contact with family or friends. 2”

Each week Age Concern helps 250,000 older people in the UK – more than any other organisation except the NHS. Activities such as lunch clubs, outings, learning and leisure opportunities bring people together at Age Concern, while telephone befriending and visiting services reach out to the housebound.  Some Age Concerns also offer advocacy and counselling services. 

 

1. 3.5 million older people live alone. [WRVS survey, March 2004]
2. One in four people over the age of 80 are excluded from social relationships. [A Sure Start to Later Life, Social Exclusion Unit, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister]

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Notes to editors

50% of profits from the sale of the single will be donated to Age Concern.

Age Concern is the largest organisation in the UK working for older people.  Everyday we are in touch with thousands of older people, enabling them to make more of life. We work in the community to support older people through a range of initiatives. These include information and advice, befriending, day centres, lunch clubs, transport services, home visits, and advocacy services. More information can be found on our website: www.ageconcern.org.uk.

To find out more about The Zimmers and its members please visit: http://www.myspace.com/thezimmersband