Band members recorded the song at the famous Abbey Road studios in London as the finale to a BBC2 documentary to be shown on Monday 28 May. The programme highlights the social issues facing older people in the UK, in particular feelings of isolation, and challenges preconceptions of what it means to be old.

Band member Buster Martin, aged 100, from London is thought to be Britain’s oldest employee. Winnie Warburton, aged 99 from Derbyshire, is known to her MPs for campaigning for more money for pensioners. Peter Oakley, 79 from Leicestershire, has already had a moment in the spotlight for his Geriatic 1927 internet blog.

Gordon Lishman, Director General of Age Concern, said: “The fantastic energy of the band members shows that age is cause for celebration not commiseration. For many older people, later life is not a time for pipe and slippers but for enjoying all sorts of pursuits that they may not have been able to take up in their youth.

“However, for some older people, life changes such as bereavement and illness can prevent them from keeping up their social networks. Millions of older people are living in isolation1 and missing out on regular contact with family or friends. 2”

Each week Age Concern helps 250,000 older people in the UK – more than any other organisation except the NHS. Activities such as lunch clubs, outings, learning and leisure opportunities bring people together at Age Concern, while telephone befriending and visiting services reach out to the housebound.  Some Age Concerns also offer advocacy and counselling services.

Age Concern 25th May 2007