Report challenges myths surrounding the post-war generation of 'baby boomers'

A report compiled by the Ready for Ageing Alliance (RAA) seeks to dispel the widely touted myth that there is a uniform group of older people in the UK – the so-called 'baby boomers' who are now aged between 55 and 70 – who have benefited at the expense of younger age groups.

The report produced by a group of major national charities, including Age UK and Alzheimer’s Society, presents compelling evidence that baby boomers are in fact a diverse group of people in virtually every aspect of their lives. It argues that in reality, one of the few things this group shares is chronological age.

David Sinclair, spokesperson for RAA said: “The term baby boomer seems to be increasingly used to inflame divisions and resentment between younger and older generations.

“The report highlights that while some boomers are ageing successfully, there is huge diversity in income, wealth and experiences of those aged 55-70.

“Our ageing society will impact on both young and older people. Today’s younger people are tomorrow’s older. If we are to ensure our increasingly ageing society is prosperous for all future generations, we must find ways of bring older and younger together rather than pitch them against each other.”

The report reveals evidence that while many boomers have benefited from house price inflation, just under half of those aged 55-64 in England fully own their property and nearly a quarter are still renting.

Some boomers can expect to live a long time in good health, but men in the most deprived parts of the England can expect to live to just 52.2 years in good health compared with 70.5 in the least deprived areas. Some 6.7m people aged 45-64 have a long standing illness or a disability.

When it comes to the reality of boomers’ education and savings, some have undoubtedly benefited from free education, but the report revealed that only one in five of those aged 55-64 in the UK actually have a degree. Some boomers will retire with good pension provision, but almost three in ten of 55- to 64-year-olds in Great Britain do not have any pension savings (nearly 2m people).

Arguing for an orchestrated approach to this issue, George McNamara, head of policy at Alzheimer’s Society said: “Society is not geared up to meet the needs of an ageing population. By 2021 there will be over one million people living with dementia in the UK. Given the poor levels of care and support that many people with dementia already experience, this is an issue we cannot ignore.

“Baby boomers may have benefited in some areas but there are clearly huge disparities in lifestyle, including income, wealth and experiences, with many facing significant challenges in later life. No social or generational group are immune to dementia, and the high cost of care is an increasing worry for many people with dementia and their families. There is an ongoing struggle to access vital care and support, which is having a detrimental impact on their quality of life.

“Regardless of their background it is essential everyone has access to good quality health and social care throughout their life. Generations must work together to support older people today and into the future.”