Britain, assailed by coronavirus, is no country for tomorrow's lost generation of old men

Research commissioned by the 'Centre for Ageing Better' has revealed that the coronavirus crisis in Britain could leave the next generation of old man and women significantly poorer and sicker than the existing one. Carried out by Ipsos Mori, it found that the pandemic risks creating a 'lost generation' of old people entering retirement in poor health and without enough money to support themselves in retirement.

Almost half of the up and coming generation of old people in their 50s and 60s believe their financial circumstances will worsen over the next year and only 39% of those who are currently furloughed, or of working age but not in employment, are confident that they will be employed in the future. In addition, 20% report that their physical health has deteriorated during lockdown and over 30% say their mental health has worsened.

Anna Dixon, Chief Executive of  the 'Centre for Ageing Better' said : “These figures are deeply worrying. If this generation continues to be an afterthought in the coronavirus recovery, we will see a lost generation entering retirement in poorer health and worse financial circumstances than those before them.” 

On top of this, more than half have had a medical or dental appointment delayed or cancelled, prompting fears that untreated conditions could set back the health of this generation irreparably and almost 40% of this age group admit to drinking more alcohol and smoking more during lockdown.

Anna said : “We know that the over-50s already face serious disadvantages in the workforce, are more likely to be made redundant and struggle more than any other group to get back into work once they have fallen out. And yet this group are being ignored when it comes to proposed actions to support the recovery.” 

Is it likely that Britain, a country with an 'official' coronavirus death rate of 42,288 and an ineffectual Government grappling with
* problems with the logistics of tracing and testing for coronavirus.
* dealing with continuing deficiencies in the health service.
* providing assistance to a care home sector in crisis.
* getting children back to school in September.
* continuing to support business and employees.
* dealing with an avalanche of debt and the consequences of a massive drop in GDP.
* preparing for Britain's exit from the European Union in six months.

will spend any time and money on the problems of tomorrow's old men and women ?