General election

Our power is our number

Thanks to the actions of Age UK campaigners, the new government is in no doubt about the importance of addressing the needs of those of us in later life. Here’s what we asked – and what they have said they will do:

We asked: Will you re-link the basic state pension to earnings by 2012?

The new government has agreed to: Link the state pension to average earnings from April next year, with a guarantee that pensions are raised by the higher of  earnings, prices or 2.5%.

We say: Your campaigning really paid off! This is a fantastic result and shows our power when we make our voices heard. 

We asked:  Will you scrap the default forced retirement age?

The new government has agreed to: Phase out the default retirement age.

We say: This is good news – although the coalition hasn’t yet given the details of what ‘phasing out’ means. We need to keep reminding them that no-one should be forced out of a job just because of their age.

We asked: Will you protect free local travel for everyone over pension age?

The new government has agreed to: Protect free bus travel for older people.

We say: We welcome this guarantee that enables millions of us to get out and about. But we know that bus travel is not possible for all of us so we’ll continue to make the case for  free local travel for everyone over pension age. 

We asked: Will you commit to ending the scandal of malnutrition in hospitals?

The new government has agreed to: Nothing – this is not mentioned in either Conservative or Liberal Democrat manifesto, or in the coalition agreement.

We say: The new government needs to take this important issue seriously. Find out what you can do

We asked:  Will you protect social care and support from any impending cuts?

The new government has agreed to: Nothing – and given their commitment to reducing government spending, care services are now facing a real threat.

We say: We need to act now to let MPs know that care services must be protected. Email your MP now 

Older people's forums

Have your say in the decisions that affect our lives, by joining an independent local forum.

By working together in local forums, we are making our voices heard on the issues that matter to us in later life, influencing the provision of services locally, regionally and nationally.

• Older people's forums