Far more should be done to aid older people with regard to health screening, according to Help the Aged.

Paul Cann, director of policy and external relations at the charity, stated that while the organisation welcomed Gordon Brown's announcement that increased emphasis is to be placed on prevention through screening, more should be done for senior people.

"In addition, given the demographic make-up of the country, Help the Aged wants to see greater focus on certain conditions which devastate the lives of older people but which can be prevented," he added.

Mr Cann highlighted falls and incontinence as problem areas that especially affect older people and where extra provision should be made.

He concluded that the prime minister needs to commit to tackling a range of public wellbeing issues, which will result in a more effective health drive which can help the entire population.

The charity recently stated that electronically tagging people in the early stages of dementia who are at risk of becoming lost should be determined by choice.