‘Pressing need’ for post of minister for older people to be reinstated – charity

There is a “pressing need” for a minister for older people to be included in Scotland’s next government, charity campaigners have said.

While there was previously a minister for older people and equalities in the government, Age Scotland said the axing of the post in 2023 left elderly Scots “feeling let down and even betrayed”.

Chief executive Katherine Crawford added the move “was seen as evidence that the challenges facing older people were simply not important or taken seriously by the Scottish Government”.

With the Holyrood election taking place next month, the charity is stepping up calls for the post to be reinstated.

Just over three-quarters (76%) of older people want to see a minister with responsibility for the demographic, research for Age Scotland found.

The charity’s 2025 Big Survey also revealed 66% are not satisfied with the actions of politicians on issues affecting older people, which is up from 56% in 2023 – the last time there was a minister for older people.

Ms Crawford said there is “a growing dissatisfaction among older people about their elected representatives’ accountability when it comes to supporting older people”.

She added: “With older voters and their families heading for the polls in a few weeks, there is an opportunity for the next government to right that wrong by reinstating a minister for older people.

“Older people have made it very clear to us that they want to see the role returned.

“There are more than 1.8 million over-50s living in Scotland – a substantial proportion of the country’s population – and that number is growing.

“There is a pressing need for a named minister to allay very real concerns among those planning to spend their later life in Scotland, particularly those affected by the deepening financial and economic challenges facing older people and the epidemic of loneliness afflicting so many.

“Bringing back a minister for older people would be a significant step towards showing a commitment to improving the lives of disaffected older voters and recognising the valuable role that all older people play in the rich tapestry of this country.”