BRITAIN'S getting older. The number of people aged over 65 has doubled in the last 70 years. Some older people have a much greater need for health and social services than younger people. But they don't expect special treatment -- just the same level of service and care as everyone else based on their needs. We have some of the best specialist services in the world, but there are also examples of poor, unresponsive and insensitive treatment -- sometimes simply because of age. That's not acceptable.

As National Director for Older People's Services I've travelled the country talking to older people, their carers, as well as large numbers of people who work with older people. I also directly see the needs of older people through my work as a geriatrician in Sheffield. The Government is publishing the first ever National Service Framework for Older People -- this is a historic document which for the first time sets standards of care so that older people know what care they will receive from health and social care services.

Our blueprint is backed by resources -- first by ensuring that older people get their fair share of the new investment in health and social care, and second through ensuring that there is investment in the specific needs of older people such as providing care closer to home, extra community equipment to help older people stay independent, and the modernisation of the old 'Nightingale' wards to improve privacy and dignity.

Already around the country there are good examples of the NHS and social services working hard to ensure older people get high-quality treatment -- such as the nurse led care provided at the Alfred Jones Memorial Hospital in Liverpool, Wirral's Stroke Service and the Sprite Service for older people with mental health needs in North Manchester. But improving the health of older people is not just about helping people who are frail, but also helping people to stay independent and healthy. Exercise and good diets can help older people enjoy many years of active life. There will be a new emphasis on promoting healthy lifestyles with easier access to advice and support. This is a big challenge. But the commitment needed to make it happen is there.

It won't happen overnight, but I do expect older people and their families to experience a real difference over the next two to three years and we are well on the road now to meeting the needs of older people in the 21st century.

Professor Ian Philp

National Director for Older People's Services

NHS Executive

North West