A powerful coalition of charities and campaign groups have signed a statement calling on the creation of an Older People’s Commissioner.
The demand for an OAP tsar comes as pensioner poverty has soared to 150,000.
Labour MSP Colin Smyth is to launch a member’s bill for a dedicated commissioner for senior citizens.
The plan is being supported by 30 groups who have signed a “consensus statement”, released by the Independent Age charity.
It reads: “We call on the Scottish Government to establish an Older People’s Commissioner for Scotland to act as an independent champion for older people and ensure that policy and practice across government considers the long-term needs of people in later life.
“A commissioner would facilitate the long-term planning that is needed to ensure our economy and public services are adapting to demographic shifts, while also enabling more people to age well.
“Older people want to be part of the nation’s vision, now, and in the future. As our older population becomes increasingly diverse, we believe that older people urgently need a champion to help make Scotland the best place in the world to grow old.”
The declaration was signed by groups including Age Scotland, Scottish Care, Fuel Poverty Action and the National Pensioners Convention.
Supporters believe a Commissioner could tackle issues such as poverty, loneliness and social care provision.
Debbie Horne, Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Independent Age, said: “The dangerous stereotype that all older people are financially secure is common, and too often older people are not given the opportunity to voice their experience about what they need, including better financial support. This is wrong.
“We all deserve to look forward to our later years and an Older People’s Commissioner could help. If introduced they will be an independent champion standing up for everyone in later life.
“We urge the Scottish Government to establish an Older People’s Commissioner and bring Scotland into line with the other devolved nations to ensure no one feels left out of the conversation as they age.”
Smyth said: “There’s no doubt there is widespread support to create an Older People’s Commissioner for Scotland.
“The profound impact of the Covid pandemic on older people showed the lack of someone independent of Government but with the ear of Ministers at the table when big decisions affecting older people are being made.