New eco towns planned by the government should take older people into account in their design, Help the Aged has stated.

Following an announcement by housing and planning minister Yvette Cooper that a competition is to be held regarding the designs for the planned new housing, Help the Aged has stated that it is "essential" for senior citizens' needs to be met by the developments.

Joe Oldman, senior housing policy adviser for the charity, stated that the ageing of British society is as big a challenge as climate change and needs to be addressed by the government.

"Making a town green can - and should - work for everyone, including older people. Better public transport, for example, can help to reduce carbon emissions and help older people who might otherwise be isolated," he added.

In recent months, prime minister Gordon Brown pledged that the number of eco towns that are due to be built in the UK will be ten rather than five.