AS health and social services agencies across the country gear up for winter, older people themselves have been speaking about their feelings for the months ahead.

More than a third fear going into a hospital which is having difficulty coping amid the usual winter pressures, according to a recent telephone survey for Age Concern.

Other causes for concern for the forthcoming winter include:

Getting a quick appointment with their GP (29 per cent)

Being treated badly by the NHS because of their age (27 per cent)

Not having the money to enjoy Christmas and New Year (16 per cent)

Not being able to afford to heat their home (17 per cent).

Gordon Lishman, Director General of Age Concern England, said: "It is shocking that older people have an image of a National Health Service unable to respond to their needs this winter.

"Combined with the fact that so many older people are living in poverty and cannot afford to heat their homes in winter it is nothing short of a national scandal."

Age Concern continues to campaign hard for a better deal for pensioners from the NHS and for an increase in the basic state pension.

Additionally, the charity urges older people to follow three steps to prepare themselves for the winter months:

Get vaccinated against the flu . Check out entitlement to money benefits

Find out if grants for help with heating are available.

Practical advice on how to get through this winter safe, warm and healthy, is available in a free information pack.

To get your copy ring 0800 0857000 or call in to Age Concern's Ashburner Street Centre.