According to Tim Ridgway (The Argus, March 31), pensioners have never had it so good; we are all living in four-bed houses wearing rose-tinted spectacles, thinking we know better than the younger generation.

Many pensioners are extremely poor and 59% pay no tax because their income is too low. In addition, fewer than 1% of pensioners are on the higher tax band. The UK state pension is fourth-bottom out of 27 European countries.

Many older people are trapped in their homes through disability or are dreadfully lonely. Life expectancy in the poorest areas can be ten years less than in affluent places.

Most pensioners struggle with the cost of living and have very modest means. They do, however, make a major contribution to society.

Many older people volunteer. People over 65, when taking tax payments, spending power, caring responsibilities and volunteering, contribute £40 billion more to the economy than they receive in state pensions, welfare and health services. The WRVS co-ordinates 50,000 volunteers and many of these are retired people.

Tim seems to think that older people are set apart from their families and friends but they are aware of the difficulties faced by younger people. They want to help them in any way they can. Retired people here are concerned about costly housing in Brighton and Hove.

The Older Peoples Council is meeting with the Brighton and Hove Youth Council soon to discuss working together to learn from each other. In addition, there is a public meeting in the Jubilee Library at 10.15am on Tuesday, April 22, where planning and social care will be debated.

Older people care about the future for the next generation; don’t be fooled by those who wish to stir up conflict between the generations.

Penny Morley, secretary of the Older People’s Council for Brighton and Hove