Seven out of ten older people in deprived areas are vulnerable to or experience at least some form of social exclusion according to a report published by the Economic and Social Research Council.

Forum Response: Economic and Social Research Council

Dr Thomas Scharf, who conducted the research for the ESRC, told ePolitix.com: "We collected socio-demographic data about the circumstances of 600 older people in deprived areas along with information relating to social exclusion and quality of life.

"We found that 60 per cent of respondents were experiencing medium or high levels of deprivation. A heightened risk of deprivation was faced by women, respondents aged 75 and over, those living alone, and older Pakistani and Somali people. Of all respondents, 45 per cent were living in poverty. Some older people lacked and could not afford a substantial number of necessities.

"Just seven per cent of respondents suggested that they would feel 'very safe' when leaving the home after dark. Those who regard their neighbourhood as unsafe or a place where they might be vulnerable to crime may be restricted in their ability to participate in important social roles. Those feeling moderately to severely lonely numbered 60 per cent of respondents.

"These findings present an important challenge to policy makers. There is a need for contemporary urban and social policy to consider the position of older people in deprived areas in terms of their potential vulnerability to the multiple risks of poverty and social exclusion."

Forum Response: Help the Aged

Mervyn Kohler, head of public affairs at Help the Aged, said: "With more than one in 10 older people finding it 'difficult' or 'very difficult' to manage on their current incomes the extend of social exclusion detailed in today's report comes as no surprise.

"The shocking poverty and low quality of life experienced by so many older people in the most deprived areas of our country is a disgrace. The government must commit to ending pensioner poverty, as it has pledged to end child poverty."

Forum Response: Age Concern

Gordon Lishman, director general of Age Concern, told ePolitix.com: "For many older people a lack of retirement income is the root of social exclusion. More than two million older people currently live in poverty and do not have enough cash to cover basic living costs such as heating or food, let alone luxuries like running a car or taking a holiday.

"The government must increase the basic state pension to a level which enables older people to live an active and fulfilling lifestyle."

Forum Response: Counsel and Care

Martin Green, chief executive of Counsel and Care, told ePolitix.com: "Older people are some of the most socially excluded members of society.

"However they are also totally ignored by any government initiative aimed at reducing social exclusion.

"We need to put them back into the heart of their community."