OLDER people in Bolton see themselves as a burden, a unique survey has revealed.

A 'positive image' group set up as part of a council-led project to improve the lot of the over-50s discovered that many saw themselves in a negative light.

Workshops with younger age groups uncovered equally damaging stereotypes.

Organisers of the Better Government For Older People project, which aims to improve the services and opportunities available to the town's more mature residents, say the findings will boost the battle against ageism.

A leaflet showing the positive side of older people, including their involvement in education and employment, was piloted in Farnworth.

When selected groups were shown the leaflets they agreed it had made them think differently.

The council is now hoping to secure funding to deliver a copy to every household in Bolton.

Angela Gannon, BGFOP project co-ordinator, said: "What came across strongly in our survey was that a lot of people thought of themselves as being a burden and not having any power.

"They thought people thought of them as has-beens.

"We really wanted to do something about changing that image.

"It's about getting away from stereotypes. A lot of people tend to think of older people as being dependent, in nursing homes or receiving help from the social services.

"But the majority of old people are not like that. They are fit and active and contributing to society."

Bolton was one of 28 places in the country to be chosen in 1998 to pilot the national scheme.

But it was the only one to address the question of image.

The work carried out has attracted the attention of Salford University where academics plan to produce a formal paper on its findings.

Bolton Hospitals Trust is conducting a survey into medical attitudes to older people's treatment, the results of which are expected to be published internationally in November.

The Better Government For Older People project officially ends in December but the council insists the lessons learned will continue to be applied.

These include the establishment of the Bolton Over-50s Federation, an umbrella organisation which aims to give a voice to older population.

Cllr Cliff Morris, cabinet member for social services, will continue as 'Old People's Champion', ensuring that the needs of the more mature are properly catered for.

Ongoing intiatives such as the BEN-sponsored annual Lifestyle Over-50s exhibition will challenge stereotypes of older people as has-beens.