We won't get fooled again. What does the new Government mean for older people?

As the dust settles after the General Election, it is interesting to speculate as to what difference, if any, the ‘older vote’ has made.

Using the theme ‘Our Power is our Number’, the charity Age UK pointed out the size and importance of the votes of older people, and set out a ‘manifesto’ for older people. This was based upon five key issues, including social care, pensions, forced retirement and the NHS. The underlying themes were increased expenditure on matters affecting older people, a reduction in ageism and a greater role in society for older people.

It is too early to know whether the new coalition Government will be good news for older people. But given a probable double-whammy of reduced public expenditure and increased taxation, there is some cause for concern.

However, we can see for sure whether the make-up of the new Government itself has delivered on a ‘greater role in society for older people’. David Cameron and Nick Clegg are both aged 43, and have used their boyish charm and youthful energy to the max. Baroness Warsi (conservative party co-chair and cabinet member) is aged 39, the same age as the Chancellor, George Osborne. So far, this reinforces the perception that in politics, youth may be valued over experience. One is a little reassured to see the age and experience of Ken Clarke (69) and Vince Cable (67) looming in the background. In total, 13 of the 21 cabinet members are aged over 50, although only Clarke and Cable are over 60.

On the face of it, this seems to reflect and perhaps even out-perform the UK workforce. In the private sector, few people aged over 60 are in management positions and unemployment levels for people over 50 are running at 30%. In the advertising industry, just 5% of employees are aged over 50 (although Sir Martin Sorrell, who owns a good chunk of it, is 65).

However, the overall perception – and one which has been carefully stage-managed - is of a youthful new coalition cabinet, with the implicit associations of youth with dynamism, energy and leadership. The idea of powerful younger people making the decisions that affect older people can only reinforce unwanted stereotypes. We have a part-time Minister for Equality – why not a full-time Minister for Old Age?