Help the Aged today responded to research showing a reduction in mortality and cardiovascular events when using blood pressure-lowering treatment in those aged 80 and over, according to a new study presented today at the American College of Cardiology in Chicago.

All too often, older people must resign themselves to a poorer standard of health care than their younger counterparts, because of age alone.

Dr. Lorna Layward, Senior Research Manager for Research into Ageing, Help the Aged said:

'All too often, older people must resign themselves to a poorer standard of health care than their younger counterparts, because of age alone.

'This research clearly demonstrates that there is no reason to deny older people treatment for tackling high blood pressure.

'The Department of Health has acknowledged that there are deep-rooted negative attitudes and behaviours towards older people, and these are at the heart of failure to provide decent services for them. More than half of older people (51 per cent) agree that health professionals dismiss symptoms as ‘just old age.'

'The research findings must act as a wake-up call.  We would like to see this type of research conducted across the board - all too often older people are denied the opportunity to take part in life saving research like this.

'Help the Aged belives that decisions on whether older people get treatment or not should  be based on evidence, not supposition or prejudice.'