The "grey vote" is an important one

The Welsh Assembly Government is being told it has the power to make a positive difference to the lives of older people.

On Monday, Age Concern will unveil a list of key messages for politicians in the run up to the May elections - and remind them that one in four voters is a pensioner.

Robert Taylor, director of Age Concern Cymru said people should be able to exercise their rights and responsibilities as citizens and make their own informed choices throughout all stages of their lives.

"The next Welsh Assembly Government needs to tackle the major issues with the resources and energy to match the scale of the challenge," he said.

"There needs to be a far greater recognition that older people are major contributors to and participants in society.

"In Wales, pensioners make up an average of one in four actual voters."

One in four people in Wales is elderly

Age Concern listed the key priority messages it wants future assembly members to hear.

Low income and poverty-related issues are said to contribute to many difficulties faced by the aged, and the assembly is being urged to lobby the UK Government for an increase in the state pension to one which covers basic living costs.

Age discrimination is another issue which has to be tackled, according to the charity. It wants a Commissioner for Older People - rather like the Children's Commissioner for Wales - to be appointed, and a commitment by the assembly to help end age discrimation in employment, health, social care and learning.

The development of an adequate, integrated, fully-accessible transport system is also on Age Concern's wish-list, as are improvements in health and social care.

The organisation wants services which help older people live longer, healthier, and more independent lives, while at the same time providing high-quality support and care when needed.

More investment should be provided to help people to stay in their own homes rather than be cared for in hospitals or homes.

Fear of crime is a major concern for older people, and the assembly is being urged to take any action possible to improve crime prevention and reduce fears.