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Campaigns

WRVS is challenging the debate of an ageing society and prompting people to reappraise their views of older people so that they can help make Britain a great place to grow old.

Our Gold Age Pensioners campaign is challenging these stereotypes in the following ways.

WRVS Gold Age Power List

During the summer of 2011 WRVS celebrated older people by publishing a list of the 66 most influential and successful people aged over 66 including the local unsung heroes who are making your community a great place to grow old.

 

Download the WRVS Gold Age Power List or find out more by visiting goldagepensioners.com

Economic report 

A measure of society is how it sees its older people. In many other cultures, older people have an elevated status and respect. In the UK, over 65s are too often seen as frail, a burden or a drain on society's resources. WRVS believe that older people make a huge contribution to our society, but sadly, their potential isn't always realised.

By 2030, there will be three million over 85s in the UK and more than 15 million over 65s. The baby boom generation is hitting 65 from this year onwards. Healthy life expectancy has never been greater. You can easily see how the debate becomes focused on the resulting cost on the state. An ageing society is no longer a probability; it's a very present, national reality.

In March 2011, WRVS commissioned an in-depth report which, for the first time, puts a value on the economic and social contribution to society that older people make each year.

Our research finds that in 2010, over 65s, through taxes, spending power, provision of social care and the value of their volunteering, made an astonishing net contribution of £40 billion to the UK economy.

And as the overall number of people over 65 increases and people remain healthier for longer, opportunities to make a positive contribution through work or volunteering will only grow. We estimate that in 2030 the positive net contribution of over 65s will grow to £77 billion.

Download a copy of the economic report or find out more by visiting goldagepensioners.com