SIR - In January, 2007, there were reports of an 82-year-old man being evicted from a care home after his family had complaints upheld by the Scottish Care Commission, while elsewhere three older people were found dead from neglect.

The year continued with research that suggested more than 342,000 older people were being abused by their families each year, with the register of abusers (the POVA list) being deemed by courts to be in part "unfair" on workers.

The reality is that elder abuse is becoming an accepted fact in today's Britain, and it is not receiving the level of urgency it merits.

We have protective systems and regulators in place, plus a developing level of care provision that is becoming more sophisticated.

But, as a society, we lack the passion and anger about the abuse of older generations that we display when children suffer the same experiences.

So, if you are considering New Year resolutions, can I beg you to add one that says you will do one thing to end elder abuse? Whether it is to check on an elderly relative, write to your local councillor or MP to add your support to our campaign, please do that one thing.

Gary FitzGerald, Chief Executive, Action on Elder Abuse, London Road, London