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Factcard Offers Elderly Insight
BBC News
Scotland
January 31, 2005
The statistic is contained in Age Concern Scotland's new factcard, which provides information on the country's elderly population.
It said too many pensioners were living in poverty, despite the benefits of free personal care, free central heating and free bus travel.
The figures were compiled by various independent and government groups.
The factcard states that local authority-supported care home residents in Scotland receive £18.10 a week as a personal expenses allowance.
This is meant to pay for basic items such as toiletries, clothes, hairdressing, telephone calls, newspapers and holidays.
The card also states that in 2003, 1,084,216 of Scotland's 5,057,400 population were aged over 60.
The factcard also reveals:
· Nearly three-quarters of single pensioner households in Scotland live on less than £200 per week
· 50% of people aged 70 or over have a limiting illness, health problem or disability
· 1,515 pensioners were reported as homeless in 2002/03
· 48% of men and 57% of women aged between 50 and 69 are unemployed.
Age Concern Scotland's Jess Barrow said the factcard revealed "very telling" statistics about elderly people.
She said: "Although people are benefiting from free personal care, free central heating and free local bus travel, there are still too many older people living in poverty and poor housing.
'Valuable tool'
"Scotland still has a long way to go to ensure that everyone enjoys a decent old age".
Sandra White MSP, convener of the cross-party group on age and ageing, said the factcard was "a breath of fresh air" from the usual facts and figures politicians received.
She said: "It's a handy pocket-sized booklet with easy to obtain facts and figures, easy to carry and to locate appropriate information."
Donald Gorrie MSP said: "This year's factcard is both exceptionally useful and at the same time worrying.
"It's a valuable tool for politicians and campaigners alike, but the stark reality of its facts and figures reveal just how much more we have to do for pensioners in Scotland."
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