AS THE election countdown moves into its final days NSW seniors could well be asking whether they have been given adequate consideration in the flurry of promises.
There are almost 1.25 million people over the age of 60 years in NSW - more than a quarter of those eligible to go to the polls - but have the promised spendathons reflected the importance of the senior vote?
Advocacy groups representing older NSW residents have welcomed those initiatives already on the table particularly in relation to increasing nurse numbers and retirement village legislations.
Paul Versteege from Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association said: "The election promises have been flying thick and fast but from the chaos three things have emerged that NSW seniors should welcome."
He said the three areas were increasing hospital staffing, keeping the $2.50 cap on Gold Opal Cards (he urged Labor to match that promise) and increased protections for retirement village residents.
However the CPSA also wants to see adequate funding for the public oral and dental health system and more social housing.
Council on the Ageing NSW while acknowledging the benefits for older residents said it wanted to see concerted efforts to fund the implementation of the NSW Ageing Strategy.
Chief executive Meagan Lawson said COTA NSW had released a policy platform with a range of recommendations.
COTA NSW is holding a public election forum and has invited the various political parties parties on March 6, 10.00-11.30am at the Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts - 280 Pitt Street, Sydney
Cost - Free! But seats are limited - book your tickets on Eventbrite or call 9286-3860, 1800 449 102 www.cotansw.com.au