Yes, the young resent us oldies – and it’s our fault

Des Wilson’s piece in last week’s Mail on Sunday about senior citizens was the most interesting and thought-provoking article I have read in a long time. He is right – there is a tide of resentment rising against the older generation.

To some degree it is our own fault. In our desire to create a better life for our children than we have had, many youngsters have never had to struggle for anything in their short lives. Their expectations are often unrealistically high and they want it all now, because that is how it has always been for them.

Bridges need building before this resentful minority gathers momentum over the highly intelligent, caring and truly wonderful majority of young people.

Angela Pickles, Elland,

West Yorkshire Bravo Des Wilson for making the case so comprehensively against the campaign by Chris Huhne to turn older people into hate objects. It is largely the accumulated spending power of this thrifty generation that has prevented the impact of the recession caused by greedy bankers and spendthrift politicians from being far worse.

Mind you, the clamour by some pensioners in South Yorkshire for free rail travel on top of a free bus pass can only help Huhne’s dangerous agenda. Given that the over-65s are perceived to be the only generation with any spare cash, why should any of us expect such a privilege? Even to someone aged 70 it smacks of greed. What must struggling younger people saddled with ever-escalating commuting costs make of it?

Michael Priestley, Bradford So Chris Huhne thinks that elderly people are selfish and short-sighted, that they are the past, and that we should look to the future. I am 74 and I cannot think of anyone in my age-group who is as self-centred and blinkered as this man. I predict that in 20 years time, Chris Huhne will be writing an article condemning ‘selfish and shortsighted’ younger people for not according him the respect he will feel he deserves as a senior citizen.

Brian Mooney, Deal, Kent Many negative things have been said in recent years about selfish oldies. Des Wilson’s comments are the best examples I have seen that tell the truth about our real contribution to the wealth of the UK and the collective benefits that have resulted for everyone. We continue to contribute without hesitation and any benefits we do get have been rightfully earned.

Richard Matthews,

Chesterfield We are the generation that did not accumulate debt and we have not contributed in any way to the financial woes this country has suffered in recent years. Yet our ignorant politicians believe we are on benefits. We have paid all our working lives through tax and national insurance for our pensions. It is not our fault that politicians of every colour squandered so much money on pet projects.

Brenda Castle, Leeds Respect for older members of society is disappearing rapidly. The simple answer is that we all would like to be respected, and today’s young should remember they will one day be old too.

Justin Fuller, San Pedro,

Philippines