I have just been put on a vulnerability register

I'm on their register too. I didn't mind at all. It meant that I was given a direct phone number to call rather than faffing about going through their usual system. They've been very helpful to me. Their dedicated staff for us 'vulnerable' types must be specially chosen.
Sometimes it pays to be 'vulnerable'!

It seems like a very bad choice of wording on their part, but I personally don't find it offensive, as I am sure it is well-intended.
I do think that it is ridiculous though, for all the reasons that you have mentioned.

I have absolutely no doubts about the quality of the staff for those needing to be on the register and their helpfulness. But I think it would be better all round if those on the register were genuinely vulnerable and not just put on it because they hit an arbitary and very low birth date.

I rang them today because I had a letter notifying me of a price rise and it had me listed as being on entirely the wrong tariff and having paper bills and not paying by direct debit. One phone call got me through to someone at the call system and the problem was resolved. It couldn't have been easier. This is the first time I have rung them in 4 years as their customer.

Recently whilst in hospital, I had the usual band on my wrist re NHS no.etc, but a second one that said "Falls"!! When I queried this, as I had not had a fall, the nurse told me, "it was because of my age". I am 76, sometimes feel 96, but more often, only 26 ?

When I queried being asked if I wanted to be on the vulnerable register they asked if I had mobility problems, diabetes or other conditions. The reason was that in the event of a power failure it could mean a lift couldn't be used or medication refrigerated. If I was known to be vulnerable I'd be prioritised for help. Seemed useful!

It is very useful and with those conditions it could be of real help and assistance - even a life saver and I would happily answer the questions if asked. But just because you have had your 60th birthday?

Conversely, our son who became disabled aged 36 found it really hard to go on the 'special help' register of his supplier. Although 'special help' seems a better description!

I feel vulnerable at times and wish i could go on someone's list. I get worn out with always having to be the strong, responsible, supportive one , it would be lovely to have someone look after me for a change.

kittylester, which just goes to prove how lazily the scheme is thought out.

After DH had a stroke this year we had a possible emergency 2 days after he was discharged from hospital. On the advice of our GP I called an ambulance to take H to hospital. When the paramedics arrived DH was asleep and proceeded to berate me soundly for calling ambulance. The female paramedic at once assumed I was being bullied by DH and questioned me closely as to whether I was vulnerable. I assured her that after 58 years of marriage I was very capable of judging what DH was upset about.

After speaking with a friend who had a slight 'domestic' with her DH at her GP appointment and the doctor got very concerned for her safety - I have come to the conclusion that the word has gone out to look for people possibly at risk or vulnerable and sometimes situations are being looked at a bit overzealously.

I am prepared to be classed as vulnerable if there is a bit of brass involved.

I'm classed as vulnerable because of age and RA - it means we get the gas board out instantly if there's a problem.

As far as I can see no cash involved. It was the arbitary allocation based on nothing but a relatively young age that irritated me. Putting everyone over 80 automatically on a vulnerable register I could understand, but 60 seemed ridiculous, when plenty of people that could be going out each day fit enough to work in a garage or a building site, or on their feet all day working in a hospital or on the shop floor.

By putting so many on the register who have no need to be there, it is surely going to end up with resources spread far to thinly so that those who do need to be on it lose out.

We were put on this by elec co. Means we get help quick if needs be. Suits me!!

Same here lucky. Maybe the difference is we were asked, rather than it being assumed.

I am 67. I had a hospital appointment last year and the letter said it was in "Care of the Elderly". That was bad enough. I was very indignant. Considered vulnerable at 60 is ridiculous. However sometimes I take advantage of being treated as an old person. And why not? If I'm going to be treated as such.

I must check up on my vulnerability status! I've never heard of it but as I am 77, I should think I might be on the said register.

I think the point that Monica is trying to make is that whilst many people would think it a good idea to flag up people who might be considered "vulnerable" because of certain medical conditions, it should not be a blanket classification for everyone over 60. I can understand her feeling put out about it and I suspect I would also feel a bit irritated to be described in that way.

However, Monica also says she could understand such a classification being given to everyone over 80, which seems to me to rather defeat her argument. That would also be a blanket judgment unrelated to the individual but making assumptions about all people over 80. I expect some 80 year olds would be equally indignant to be classified in this way.

My guess is that it is much easier and less time-consuming to use these age-related classifications than to go into the medical history of every single person to identify their vulnerabilities, if any. And it would require constant monitoring because there is a good chance that someone who is OK this year might become vulnerable next year.

Eloethan the reason I said I would accept it for over 80s is because from that age people are far more likely to have sudden declines in health and capacity and be more quickly affected without adequate heat during a power cut. I am 75, I am not far from that age so I am trying to be realistic.

I quite agree that using an arbitary age does make it easier for companies, but I think 60 is far too young. It is nearly a decade before most people retire.

I suppose they have to choose an age and it will never be right. Preferably sooner than later perhaps. Trouble is that if too many of us are on it it won’t work will it?

Precisely

I dislike ageism. At the same time I dislike the fact that my children don't see me as getting older and not being as capable as I was. (#exhaustedchildminder!)

Its a strange old world.
Classed as vulnerable at 60, but still working, with all that it entails until age 67!

I have been on the Scottish Gas register for years.
It was a godsend when our boiler broke down in the middle of winter and I was suffering from a terrible chest infection.

However, like Annep, I dislike ageism and the fact that my children think I'm still as able as I was twenty years ago.☹️