86% ARE AFRAID OF GETTING OLD; EXCLUSIVE.

Byline: BOB ROBERTS

NEARLY nine out of 10 people fear getting old, a survey reveals today.

The research by the Department of Health shows there is increasing worry about illness and pensions.

One of the deepest concerns, raised by 54% of adults, is losing mind or memory in old age. Another 54% dread illness and infirmity.

Unbelievably, 8% of people say they hope they DIE before they become elderly so they do not have to face accompanying problems.

Four in 10 are scared about loneliness and 38% poverty.

With 86% overall afraid of getting older, Health Secretary Andy Burnham said the biggest task after the next election would be to ease people's fears.

He said: "I don't want them to worry about how they will be looked after and how that care will be paid. We should all be able to look forward to old age and feel confident if we need care, the right services will be there."

Half of men and two in three women will end up needing care when they get old. At present if someone has more than pounds 23,000 in savings, they will need to meet the costs.

These average pounds 30,000 but for someone with dementia they could be as high as pounds 200,000.

Labour has put forward a plan for a National Care Service to match the NHS, where help would be free to the individual or at a cut price. They are looking at how the money would be raised but it could include a new compulsory state insurance scheme.

The Department of Health survey was carried out by Opinion Matters in July.

Caring For Carers: Page 29

54% Worry about illness or infirmity

54% Worry about losing your mind or memory

39% Worry about loneliness

38% Worry about poverty

CAPTION(S):

CHALLENGE Burnham