Someone needs to stand up for the needs of older residents, councillors agreed last week, on the eve of a population boom of over-65s.

Merton Council passed a motion on July 13, which paved the way for an older people’s champion for the borough’s over-65s, whose number is predicted to increase by 13 per cent by 2020.

With the number of over-85s set to increase by 18 per cent by 2019, Councillor Suzanne Evans said Merton must ensure older people are recognised and given support.

Speaking in the council chamber, Coun Evans said: “Too often in the political context we focus on how much the elderly cost us financially, rather than on the wealth of life experience they can bring.

She said: “Appointing an energetic, confident, high-profile ambassador for the older generation shows there is a full and active life to be had in older age, and challenges the still pervasive idea that older people are simply a drain on our resources.

The one-year voluntary role will be non-political and selected by a cross-party panel in consultation with Merton Seniors’ Forum and Merton Voluntary Service Council.

If you would like to nominate an older people’s champion, call Stella Akintan at Merton Council on 020 8545 3390 or email stella.akintan@merton.gov.uk.

Do you agree that older people need to be given more recognition? Leave a comment below, call 020 8722 6335 or email: ooakes@london.newsquest.co.uk.