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'Grey vote' may swing key marginals, says Age Concern
Health policy and pensions hold the key to attracting older voters, an ICM poll for Age Concern has found.
As all the parties publish their manifestos ahead of a June 7 general election, the poll showed that for those aged over 65, pensions and health are the two key issues, with education, crime and long term also cited as important concerns.
The survey, which focused on 150 key marginals, also found that turnout looks set to fall at the coming election, with the overall figure predicted to drop to just 63 per cent - compared to 71 per cent in the 1997 general election.
According to the poll, older voters remain more likely to turn out on polling day - with 74 per cent of those aged between 55 and 64 and 71 per cent of the over 65s saying that they will vote.But young voters seem the most turned off, with just 48 per cent of 18 to 24 year-olds expected to turn out on election day.
Sixty-five per cent of older people have already decided which party to back, the survey found. Amongst those aged between 45-64, just over fifty per cent have made up their minds, ICM found.
Gordon Lishman, director general of Age Concern England, said the message to candidates was that they must listen to the concerns of older people if they are to gain their support.
"The potential rewards are high for those candidates and parties who show they are genuine in wishing to meet the aspirations of older people. Age Concern is working through a number of initiatives to engage politicians and older people in the debate," said Lishman.
The survey also found that 74 per cent of those aged over 65 agreed with the proposition that the state pension is the best way to ensure an adequate minimum income for all pensioners.
ICM interviewed a random selection of 1014 adults aged 18 and over during March 23-27. Interviews were conducted across the country and the results were weighted to the profile of all adults.
A "booster" of 500 interviews was conducted in the 150 most marginal constituencies, with 713 interviews in total being conducted in marginal constituencies.
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