The leading opposition parties have both come out with policies aimed at helping older people.

There is growing concern that old people are facing a deprivation of assets to help fund their retirement.

In recent weeks both the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives have announced policies aimed at helping pensioners.

Age Concern, the charity that works with older people, said all politicians should court the grey vote.

"Finally the parties are realising that it is older voters who could have the deciding votes at the upcoming general election,” said Age Concern’s Gordon Lishman.

“People over the age of 55 are twice as likely to vote as those under 55, and the parties need to convince them that they will deliver for them if elected."