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Peers urge action on older people’s health

Peers urge action on older people’s health

Rising life expectancy means people risk having to endure more years of poor health when they are older, according to a committee of peers.

The Lords science and technology committee today urges the government to do more to ensure older people maintain their health and quality of life in their twilight years.

In a new report, it says simple measures could dramatically improve older people’s health and quality of life, and suggests NHS resources would be better spent on prevention strategies than treatment.

The peers also urge ministers to lay out plans to help older people live in their own homes for longer, including investment in technologies enabling them to monitor their own health.

And they note plans for housing, transport and communication should be made with an ageing population in mind.