Today Rosie Winterton MP, the Minister for Pensions Reform, and I met with Southwark residents to discuss the Government's paper on how we prepare for an aging society.

In March 2005, the Government set out its strategy for older people and the ageing society in Opportunity Age - meeting the challenges of ageing in the 21st century.

Since Opportunity Age was published, we have taken forward a significant programme of reform to tackle pensioner poverty and improve well-being and independence in later life.

Our new strategy is prompted in part by the completion of many of the activities outlined in Opportunity Age, and also by the growing awareness of the need for all parts of society to adapt to the challenges and opportunities posed by our ageing society.

The meeting today was attended by over 70 Southwark residents who told the Government what they think we should be doing. The meeting was really excellent, there was a really well informed discussion and many good points were raised.