The real inequalities

Abstract

Abstract Background The ‘greedy geezer’ and ‘poor elderly’ narratives both assume that the older population are homogeneous and that the experiences of older people are universal. This ignores the fact that there are significant health inequalities (i) amongst the older population and (ii) in terms of who gets to be ‘old’ (and for how long). Further, the focus on intergenerational inequality is a deliberate distraction from the far more significant health inequalities that exist in terms of gender, geography, ethnicity, socio-economic status etc across the whole population - regardless of age. Methods Health inequalities amongst the older population and inequalities in terms of who gets to be ‘old’ will be examined through health inequalities across the population by gender, geography, ethnicity, socio-economic status etc. Results Given, for example, that total intergenerational transfers incorporating private transfers are from the older to the younger, it is quite possible that if we reduce public intergenerational transfers (working age to older) then all we are doing is increasing inherited inequality. Conclusions Policy focused on ‘intergenerational equity’ and ‘intergenerational accounting’ will often exacerbate inequalities within generations, to the benefit of the wealthiest and the detriment of much of the population. Win-win solutions only emerge if there is a focus on addressing the many and more profound health inequalities that cross-cut generations.