Golden Oldies

Synopsis: This documentary looks at the lives of three elderly people: Doris, Kitty and Frank, all of whom are struggling to cope with poverty but attempting to face the future with stoicism and a sense of humour. The film is set against a background in which the picture for most old people is increasingly bleak. The state pension of £102.15 per week is less than half the national minimum wage, and far below the poverty line. The cut in winter fuel allowance of around £100, announced in the budget of March 2012, is only going to make things worse, as will the state pension being switched from Retail Price Indexation to Consumer Price Indexation. Eight out of ten councils are now preparing to provide at-home services only for those classified as in "critical need".

As well as the loss of these services, councils are cutting other supports for the elderly:Day Centres are closing; Meals on Wheels are being stopped; shopping, household help, bathing & dressing help, and befriending services are all being phased out. Against this background Poyntz’s film shows how so many elderly people in this country are too easily forgotten and neglected despite, in many cases, spending a lifetime contributing to society in a meaningful way.
Language: English
Country: Great Britain
Year of release: 2012
Subjects: Social Studies
Keywords: ageing; elderly persons; old people; poverty; social issues

Name: True Vision Productions
Email: website@truevisiontv.com
Web: http://truevisiontv.com/ External site opens in new window
Address: 49a Oxford Road South
London
W4 3DD
Notes: Award-winning television documentaries on a wide range of international social issues including unemployment, street children, knife crime, and challenging children. DVDs are available for sale for private and educational use.

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British Universities Film & Video Council