Election Blog: Use your voice on 12th December

The countdown to polling day has begun. The party leaders have appeared in television debates to promote their vision of the country’s future while constituency candidates have braved the cold to take their message to the voters on their doorsteps.

But have you heard the issues that matter to older people amid the noisy hubbub of an election campaign?

At Age Scotland we believe it is vital that older people’s voices are heard in this and every election.

Scotland’s national charity for older people is holding a national hustings on Monday, December 2 at the Radisson Blue Hotel, 301 Argyle Street, Glasgow from 1pm to 3pm.

This offers older people the best opportunity to quiz politicians from all parties on the issues that affect them and ensure that the parties are fully informed about what matters to older voters.

Free tickets are available at age.scot/hustings. Come along, and bring your friends.

The outcome of next month’s poll affects every single person in Scotland and the UK. No-one of any age should be disenfranchised because they feel pressured to step aside and let the younger generation decide the fate of the country.

Some of the biggest issues facing older Scots are reserved to Westminster and should be at the heart of the debate.

Our Age Scotland General Election 2019 manifesto addresses the importance of digital inclusion, ageism in work places, access to banking services and cash and the risk of ‘Windrush 2’ for the 8,630 older EU citizens living in Scotland who must apply for Settled Status through a largely online system because of Brexit.

Pensioner poverty, rising state pension age, benefits changes and fraud have a significant impact on the lives of older people.

Age Scotland has been campaigning to keep free TV licences for the over 75s and we urge the political parties to support our campaign with a long-term commitment to continue to fund the free TV licence.

For many older people affected by loneliness and social isolation the TV is more than a device in the corner of a room. Along with the radio or a pet, it is the main source of company for almost half of all over 75s in Scotland.

All of these issues matter to older people. We want older people to cast their ballot for the party they believe will address the concerns of more than two million people in Scotland over the age of 50, who make up 40% of the total population.

Next month’s election, falling on December 12, throws up challenges for everyone. But it is older people who are most likely to be more affected by the short number of daylight hours and the potential for bad weather. The polls will open an hour and half before sunrise and close six and a half hours after sunset. Many people will be forced to make their way to polling stations in the dark.

Age Scotland has shared information on the website and via the Helpline to encourage as many people as possible to access a postal vote so that if the weather makes it difficult for older people or those with mobility issues to get out of the house, they can stay home knowing their ballot has been cast.

With just over two weeks to go, Age Scotland calls on every political party to help our older population, which includes those in greatest need, to ensure they enjoy a dignified, secure and fulfilled later life.

Older people should help shape the next government. Don’t let your voice be silenced. Use your vote.