WHAT a divisive world we live in.

It is not enough to encourage hostility between race and colour or different faiths, now it seems we are setting people of different ages against each other.

It has been pointed out that if older people have generous pensions it is because they planned for their retirement.

Those who continue to work at almost 70 years of age usually do so for financial reasons.

A recent report stated that one in four people approaching retirement are still deeply in debt.

One wonders how many are fit enough and mentally sharp enough to enjoy working, or to be of value to an employer.

It should be remembered that buying a home years ago entailed considerable sacrifice.

There were few who expected to also be able to afford foreign holidays, coffees at £3 a time, phones, designer clothes, and cable TV.

Of course, the homes which older people own will pass to their younger relatives in due course, or support their reluctant stay in residential care.

Older people are not a burden on our country, they are part of our country and deserve respect.

Pamela Brown, Goodwood Grove, York