Responding to the ONS reports on the social impacts of COVID-19 on younger and older people published today, ILC Global Policy and Influencing Manager Lily Parsey argues: 

“The figures released by the ONS today show that both our experiences of the pandemic and our priorities coming out of lockdown vary based on our age.” 

“While younger people are more likely to be worried about schools, universities, work and finances, older people are more likely to be worried about accessing essential products and services and staying safe during the lockdown and beyond – and not surprisingly!” 

“But while our priorities might shift in different stages of our lives, our overarching aims seem to stay very much the same, to support those most at risk, to restore our economy and to overcome this virus.” 

“So let’s not pitch young against old. If this pandemic has shown us anything, it’s that policy works best when it’s designed for all ages.” 

“Whether we’re today’s, tomorrow’s or yesterday’s younger or older people, we will need to continue working together to come out of lockdown and to rebuild our economy for a post-pandemic world.” 

Notes 

For press queries, please contact Lily Parsey at LilyParsey@ilcuk.org.uk or 07400 294694. 

ILC’s Future of Ageing: Together for tomorrow conference, taking place on 3 December in London, will discuss how generations have come together during the pandemic. 

For more information on Future of Ageing 2020, visit: futureofageing.org.uk/  

About ILC 

The ILC is the UK’s specialist think tank on the impact of longevity on society, and what happens next. 

Since our inception, we have published over 250 reports, organised over 300 events including the annual Future of Ageing conference. 

We work with central government, local government, the private sector, and professional and academic associations to provoke conversations and pioneer solutions for a society where everyone can thrive, regardless of age.