Governments Head in Sand over Implications of Increased Life Expectancy

1.34.56pm GMT Tue 21st Nov 2006

Commenting on statistics that show life expectancy at 65 has reached its highest ever level for both men and women, Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson, Sandra Gidley MP said: "We welcome the news that life expectancy is going up, however at the same time older people are getting poorer and are not able to afford to live or pay for the care they need "

"We need to ensure that social care budgets are adequate to meet the growing needs of the elderly. Liberal Democrats would like to see closer co-operation between health and social care budgets which would help ensure decisions are made in the best interest of the patient rather than an individual organisations budget"

"The Government needs to stop burying their heads in the sand and deal with the problems facing today's elderly people"

Notes to editor

The full report can be found on National Statistics online at http://www.statistics.gov.uk/cci/nugget.asp?id=168