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Many older people led – and are still leading - the response to the Covid-19 pandemic in their own communities.

Councillor Lynne Devine made her remarks in her capacity of Angus Champion for Older People, following research by Age Scotland which revealed that only one in five older people feel “valued”.

The charity’s Big Survey paints a worrying picture of the way older people feel regarded and portrayed in Scotland in the wake of the pandemic.

Age Scotland and Scotinform questioned more than 3500 people aged 50 and over living in Scotland. Among the findings were, 51 per cent of over 50s said ‘older people are not valued for their contribution to society’; only 21 per cent felt that older people were valued, while 25 per cent didn’t know; 36 per cent believed that they were made to feel a burden to society; 34 per cent felt life was getting worse for older people, while only 25 per cent said it was getting better.

Forfar councillor Lynne Devine, Angus Champion for Older People.

Ms Devine said: “I welcome this very detailed report. A lot of the information is already known, but it’s important that it’s all brought together like this so that decision-takers can take action to improve the lives of older people in Scotland.

“As Champion in Angus, I’m keen to highlight the value of older people in our society – those who continue to work, care for others or volunteer in their communities. It’s heartbreaking to read that so many feel so undervalued. We’re all going to get older – it’s not an option - so let’s value everyone in equal measure.”

Brian Sloan, Age Scotland chief executive, said: “The last 18 months have already taken a huge toll on older people, both in terms of the health impact of the pandemic and soaring levels of loneliness and isolation.

“Although older people are often portrayed as helpless victims in the media, this outdated image belies the huge contribution made by those in later life, even during the pandemic.

“Tens of thousands of Scots in their 50s, 60s, and 70s continued to carry out essential work, including frontline NHS workers, carers, delivery drivers and supermarket workers. Many older volunteers led the response in their communities. It’s extremely disappointing that our research has found too many of them do not feel valued."