General Election 2017
Published on 18 May 2017 02:29 PM
Cuts to social care, pressures on the NHS, pensioner poverty, and loneliness are all difficulties that continue to face millions of older people in the UK. The General Election on June 8th provides us with a huge opportunity to change this situation.
Age UK London's vision is for a world where everyone can love later life. But sadly this isn’t the case for many of today’s older people. Cuts to social care, pressures on the NHS, pensioner poverty, and loneliness are all difficulties that continue to face millions of older people in the UK.
The General Election on June 8th is a great opportunity to change this situation for many older people in London.
People like Jean, who has experienced loneliness since losing her husband last year. “I was widowed a year ago and I was depressed. I didn’t know anyone here so I didn’t want to go out. I just stayed in my room.”
Her daughter contacted Age UK to see if there were any local groups she could attend. She found she enjoyed meeting up with people made a difference, and now finds herself less lonely and isolated. She attends a weekly exercise class which has improved her mobility, and can walk to the GP’s now.
We’re calling on the next Government to make sure all older people:
1. Receive dignified care at home, in hospital, and in care homes
2. Have a decent income
3. Live a life free from loneliness
What you can do
To help make this a reality, we’re asking Parliamentary candidates to become Age Champions and commit, if elected, to make the UK and their community better for older people – particularly those who find life a struggle.
If you want politicians to act, please support Age UK’s campaign and ask the candidates in your London borough to become an Age Champion.