While many of the needs of older people are becoming increasingly recognised, progress is needed in highlighting what they expect from care services.

Such is the opinion of Paul Snell, chief inspector for the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI), which he expressed this week to the National Pensions Convention (NPC) in Blackpool.

Mr Snell praised the NPC's role in promoting awareness of issues relevant to pensioners, while calling for a wider debate to be created on care services and the levels of care expected.

"While more and more of us are living longer and our health and social care needs are growing, we need an intelligent debate now to plan for that future," he told delegates.

"People today rightly expect to enjoy a better standard of life than previous generations - they take choice, independence and control of their daily lives for granted."

He argued that care services intended to "help people survive" would not suffice, but rather that they should facilitate lifestyles allowing older people to pursue their interest.

"It isn't just about staying alive, it's about feeling alive," he concluded.

The CSCI inspects and reports on councils and care services across the UK and is dedicated to promoting best practice and eradicating substandard services.