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Newly
formed band The Zimmers hope to rock up the music chart when their
cover version of The Who song “My Generation” is released on Monday 28
May. The single, recorded by a 40-strong band all aged over 60, will
raise money for the charity Age Concern.
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
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