Older people do not feel valued or listened to according to a new survey.

Finances, health and loneliness all feature prominently in the findings but politicians were also sent a message to pay attention to what the older generation has to say.

People over 65 are also increasingly worried about the cost of living according to the new research.

Age Scotland’s 'Big Survey' shows a higher number feeling “financially squeezed” compared to two years ago.

Older people, who are still working are concerned about retirement and not having enough of a pension to live comfortably.

This year the charity’s survey showed 41% feeling “squeezed” financially. In 2021 it was 26%.

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And 35% said they expected it to get worse in the next year.

Rising food costs and energy bills have contributed to higher outgoings with income not keeping up.

Age Scotland said the findings were “grim reading”.

A spokesperson said: “The findings from the 2023 Big Survey have provided us with powerful insight into the lives of older people today.

“The high cost of living is having a serious impact on respondents’ finances and wellbeing.

“We have seen a big jump in the number of older people telling us they feel financially squeezed.”

More than half of people still of working age said they didn’t think they had enough saved for retirement and 11% had no personal or workplace pension.

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The survey invited people over 50 to take part but it was mostly 65-79 year olds who responded.

Loneliness continues to be a hugely concerning issue among older people.

The survey found almost one in ten (9%) felt lonely most or all of the time, the same as two years ago.

The spokesperson added: “This is perhaps surprising, given the active social restrictions that were still in place last time and demonstrates the need for more to be done to tackle loneliness and isolation.”

Health and care were the most important priorities.

The survey asked what the priorities of Scotland's First Minister should be.

The message to Humza Yousaf was he should be focussing on social care, which was mentioned by 23% of respondents.

Almost one in five, (18%) said the NHS, while 14% said pensions.

The government should “respect, consult and listen” to older people according to 13% and 9% said the cost of living should be top of his agenda.

Health was a major issue for people.

More than half (52%) said they exercised regularly, including walking, dog walking and exercise classes.

However, 35% didn’t get out as much as they used but said they were still mobile.

Getting out and about was a problem for many with feedback on public transport highlighting the “lack of services, the infrequency and unreliability of services, accessibility issues including with a walker” raised as barriers.

The proximity of bus stops and train stations to where respondents live and a lack of buses in the evening and on Sundays were also highlighted.

Age Scotland said: “The Big Survey has provided a voice for older people across Scotland and identified the concerns that they have about getting older.

“The survey has highlighted that older people do not feel valued nor that their views are listened to by politicians and decision makers.

“Age Scotland has given older people in Scotland a voice through the second Big Survey.

“The results of this survey should be essential reading for politicians and policy makers, prompting action to ensure that older people are not being failed.”