A parliamentary year that focusses on fairness could offer 'huge potential' to millions of older people, according to two leading older people’s charities.

In a joint statement in response to the Queen’s Speech, Help the Aged and Age Concern are calling for this to be the year when the Government prioritises older people’s issues. This should give our ageing population the opportunity to play a full and active role in society.  

On the Equality Bill, Paul Cann, Director of Policy and External Relations at Help the Aged, says:

'The promise to ban age discrimination in the Equality Bill is a huge step towards ensuring older people are treated as equals – in health services, the marketplace and throughout society.

'However, to make fairness an everyday reality for older people, legislation must come into force without delay. There must be more urgency in the timetable for action.'

Gordon Lishman, Director General of Age Concern, said:

'Fairness means ending the routine discrimination suffered by older people in so many areas of their lives. This landmark legislation sends a clear signal that ageism should be taken as seriously as any other form of discrimination and has no place in a fair society.'

On the Health Bill, Gordon Lishman asked that the new NHS Constitution be strengthened to provide a firm guarantee of the care older patients can expect. Paul Cann added that dignity must be at the heart of the NHS Reform Bill.

The Charities also called on the Government to create strategies to help unemployed over-50s into work and keep those who are employed in work during the recession. In addition, Government should ensure older people's voices are heard in their local communities.