Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Baroness Neuberger (Liberal Democrat). It was answered on Monday, 15 December 2008.

Older People: Pain

Question: My Lords, I thank the Minister for his reply. Given that estimates by Help the Aged and others suggest that 5 million older people in the population—possibly including some of us—are experiencing chronic and severe pain, and given that ageist attitudes predominate, as expressed by such statements as, ““What do you expect at your age?””, will the Minister assure us that the Government plan to bring forward the timetable for introducing legislation on age discrimination in health and social care to within the lifetime of this Parliament?

Answer: My Lords, before I address the noble Baroness’s second question, I must say that it is imperative to understand that no one, irrespective of age, should tolerate pain. I appreciate that awareness in this area is extremely important, because we are living in a century when all of us are getting older and, at the same time, there is a suggestion that pain is a symptom of ageing, which it is not. As far as concerns age discrimination, older people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect in all care settings. That is why the Government are bringing forward the equality Bill that includes a commitment to end unfair discrimination in the NHS.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 706 c640
Session: 2008-09
Oral question type: 1st Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Subjects: Age Health services Discrimination Older people Pain Social services
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk