Reid: Welcoming report

Older people have never had it so good, according to a report published by the government.

The claim came as a new report revealed that the nation's elderly are "healthier, more active and longer lived" than ever
before.

The report, entitled "Better health in old age", also claimed that services for older people are getting better

But the study warned that services must continue to improve and expand to meet the needs of an increasingly aging population.

The prime minister said the study "shows that improved services are helping older people recover from falls and strokes more quickly".

"People are no longer stuck in hospital for weeks after an operation and this means that their quality of life is being improved," Tony Blair added.

"The challenge for the future is to make sure services enable older people to stay safe and well at home."

Health secretary John Reid said the report confirmed that older people recognise "it's never too late to look after your health".

"More older people successfully give up smoking than any other age group," he said.

"Older people are living proof that the NHS is a wellness service not just a sickness service.

"Age discrimination is being rooted out of health and social care services. Services have improved but still more needs to be done if we are to build services that will treat older people with the dignity and respect they deserve."