Year 2000 has arrived and Britain has an ageing population. Eleven million pensioners look down a badly lit new highway signposted 2000. What will the first roundabout offer? A possible increase in Council Tax, irrespective of a £5m boost announced by the council.

Further on, social services propose increasing charges in April for community-based social care, rather than reducing services for older people. Any erosion of services that help older people to stay independent is not to be an option.

In 2000 it is very much in the interests of the NHS to promote well being and quality of life, and to avoid discrimination. Active, motivated older people make fewer demands on the NHS. Barriers need to be removed. New strategies are required.

Older persons can contribute to the future and fabric of society. Yet the older person often has a low status.

In 1999 evidence of ageism was everywhere. Will 2000 see a change in the image of older persons? They need to see results now, while recognising that the long term benefits will be enjoyed by tomorrow's older generation well into the 21st century. Planning for older people is socially inclusive - it benefits everybody.

Sir Jeremy Beecham, Chairman of the Local Government Association, has said: "We can't afford to waste the skills, experience, wisdom and energy of older people." Perhaps the buzz word in 2000 for older people should be Older and Bolder.

David Hughes,

Elmpark Way, York.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.