'Vulnerable older people' excluded

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The charity said the Government was "failing" vulnerable older people and called for ministers to make a cross-departmental commitment to help the most disadvantaged.

The Out of Sight, Out of Mind report also recommends that councils should carry out a "comprehensive review" of their services under the terms of their agreements with central government.

The report said: "Being severely excluded is not just about being poor, feeling lonely or lacking mobility.

"It is a complex issue which involves facing multiple hardships and being cut off from the things the rest of society takes for granted."

The report found that 400,000 people aged 50 to 64 were severely excluded, 360,000 people aged 65 to 79 and 400,000 aged over 80.

The report said the Government had done a lot to help old people by introducing pension credit, the winter fuel allowance, improved NHS facilities and concessionary bus travel.

But, it said: "Despite this progress, much less has been done to tackle severe social exclusion among older people."

Many people have failed to claim benefits they are entitled to or access the service available to them, the report said.

Gordon Lishman, Age Concern's director general, said: "Without stronger ministerial leadership, and a significant change in the mindset of policy makers and service providers, over a million severely excluded older people will continue to suffer in silence."