72 per cent of people cannot name a political party that has clear policies for older people, research by Alzheimer's Society found yesterday, Thursday, 18 September.
Just 13 per cent of people believe Labour has the clearest policies and proposals for older people, while 9 per cent believe it is the Conservatives and only 3 per cent believe it is the Liberal Democrats. The research also found that dementia tops the list of conditions that people over 55 fear most in later life, beating heart disease, stroke and cancer.
Neil Hunt, Chief Executive of Alzheimer's Society says,
The results will torment political parties who will rely on votes from an ageing British population to win the next election. Pensioners now out number children in the UK for the first time and by 2025 about half of those who vote in a general election will be over 50.
Political parties need clear proposals for older people to win the next election. Above all, political parties must make a strong commitment to tackle dementia the condition which older people fear most.
Dementia is where cancer was in the 1950's and we need investment now if we are to tackle this devastating condition. One in three people over 65 die with dementia; how we tackle it will define the success of any future Government.
The first ever National Dementia Strategy for England will be published in November and all parties must ensure it has the proper funding. In the coming months we will be asking the parties about their commitment to the strategy.
Read the poll results
Notes:
- On 6 August 2007, Ivan Lewis MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Care Services, announced the development of the first ever National Dementia Strategy for England. The strategy is due to be published in November 2008. A draft of the strategy can be viewed on the Department of Health website
- 1 in 3 people over the age of 65 will die with a form of dementia
- 700,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In less than 20 years nearly a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051.
- Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and those who care for them. Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
- As a charity, Alzheimer's Society depends on the generosity of the public to help it care, research and campaign for people with dementia. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting http://www.alzheimers.org.uk