We always say that older people are as sensible and as capable of running their lives as anyone else. If some of them choose through a false sense of pride, to live in poverty and discomfort, then that is their choice.
I am in my late 70s and I cannot remember a time when people did not pay NI towards the NHS and pensions, or when we did not know that as a society we paid taxes among other things to support those in society in their time of need and accept it when we were in that group.
for Age Concern(a was) as a home visitor and benefits advisor for many years and did meet a few people who thought that, it was demeaning to claim benefits, but all but a very few were amenable to reason and once the realised the relationship between the NI and tax payments they paid when they were working and benefits available to them in old age most were glad to apply for them.
Nveertheless, there were a few who would never admit to physical or financial difficulties and others who had amassed savings, some quite substantial, to help them when the needed it in old age, but would not touch it, in case they needed it later. All one can say to these is that, if they are in their right mind and refuse to see reason and apply for benefits they are entitled to, then that is there choice and we must accept it.
