Those who have been dealt this double-whammy of short shorts must now be financially helped. But what the Government must now do is to formulate a radical overhaul of its ideas of what it is to be a pensioner, and put together a long-term plan that will eventually incorporate this new landscape into the fabric of our social security system.In some parts of the Labour forest this is already occurring. Employers are being aggressively exhorted not to promote ageism in their hiring and firing. This must be the way forward, because in the near future retirement ages are simply going to have to rise. How much notice does the population need for such a step? Quite a lot probably, so it’s a shame that Labour has not even begun to get to grips with this issue during the Government’s first term.Likewise, for both Labour and the Conservatives, there is a belief that the most vulnerable pensioners are those over 75 That’s why they get the telly licences Clearly they should be getting a great deal more. Should it be at the expense of other, younger pensioners? Or should we be thinking more about why we continue to pension people off so young, when we know that more and more people consider themselves no more than middle-aged at 55?Interestingly, in the very week that this unedifying game of political ping-pong had been taking place, the Department of Education and Employment has been promoting life-long learning. The personal stories of those whose achievements have been highlighted are inspiring.

Emily Butterfield, who at 94 has finally beaten her illiteracy Fred Moore, 107, who has been studying art for 25 years. Hetty Kemp, 86, who has been going to classes in ballet, salsa, jive and belly dancing since she was 74.Not only do these examples prove the point that Britain’s national obsession with youth writes too many people off too early, they also comprise a refreshing antidote to the prevailing and deadening orthodoxies which stress that study and learning are something you do to get a job. But those who do not wish to learn formally any more, but may wish just to be good grandparents, or enjoy a more relaxing life than they did when they were younger, deserve the right to do that too, and not in abject poverty.It is poverty and deprivation that make people old, and as long as we run a society which tolerates such evils, then people will continue to be vulnerable while they are still quite young These people need to be respected. Instead they are being used as pawns in a short-sighted and cynical political game.The 75 pence rise in pensions was a Labour mistake, and it was a mistake that flowed from broader miscastings in New Labour ideology.

Mr Hague’s attempts to take advantage of pensioners’ anger over this treatment are shallow, and will not in the end help him to achieve his ambitions. But they will, it is devoutly to be hoped, persuade the Government to change its attitude, and start really thinking about what it is to be old.d.orr independent.co.uk
More from Deborah Orr. With the end of the Cold War, spy-thriller writers can no longer write about Soviet-American enmity Everyone knows that. But what about detective writers who set their stories in the English countryside? How will the absence of police in rural areas affect them?

With the end of the Cold War, spy-thriller writers can no longer write about Soviet-American enmity Everyone knows that. But what about detective writers who set their stories in the English countryside? How will the absence of police in rural areas affect them?
The vicar was hard at work on his sermon for next Sunday when there was a ring at the front door, and shortly afterward the maid came in to say that there was a policeman to see him.”A policeman!” cried the Rev Arthur Thrimble. “Goodness, how exciting! Show him in!”She showed him in.”Come in, officer.

Can I offer you a cup of tea? No, you’re on duty, aren’t you? You won’t be allowed to What a shame. Now, how can I help you?”"Well, it’s about the village fête,” said the officer.”Alas – you’re too late!” said the vicar “We had it two weeks ago. All over now.”"I was reading the notice in the village shop,” said the officer, “in which you said how much you made from it.”"Yes,” said the vicar. “I always like to let people know.”"You made a profit of £45,000.”"It was a pretty good year,” said the vicar, modestly.”Last year you made £800. It is a significant increase.”"Weather was very bad last year,” said the vicar. “We even had to cancel the tug of war.”"I am just curious about this year,” said the policeman. “May I have a look at the breakdown of the figures?”"Of course,” said the vicar, retrieving a crumpled piece of paper from his desk “All here Guess the weight of the cake – £13.50 Coconut shy – £33 Breaking plates stall – £29.50 Fun run – £42,000 Plant stall – £75 Hoopla…”"Just a moment,” said the officer.