‘Today’s Oldies should reach out to the young. We need a new movement that creates ways where the young and old work together. There are huge opportunities for mentoring and other activities to build a generational partnership. Yes, the pressures on the NHS will grow, but we can manage them if the political will is there. Yes, an older population will require all sorts of adaptations, but we can manage that too. We need a positive approach to the inevitabilities that we face. ‘Generational warfare’ should be snuffed out at birth.’

Des Wilson on his fear that the next war will be generational warfare for the Mail on Sunday. Pre-order your copy of Growing Old by Des Wilson today!