RBS COPA, QMU, Edinburgh – Briefing Paper No 3 1 • An age specific bank account was considered ‘ageist’ and unpopular although related benefits offered with accounts linked to a monthly fee were thought to be useful; • Generally, it was thought that equity release was not a desirable option and that downsizing would be preferential; • A No Nonesense mark may increase confidence, although some viewed with suspicion. Involving Older People Research Programme: Involving older people in the development of financial products and services. Carol Brennan, and Elaine Ritch, Yvonne Coull This paper reports on a project which addressed older people’s experience of financial products and how this could be harnessed to the advantage of other older people and the wider community. Help the Aged (2006) found through ‘mystery shopping’ that banks and building societies attempted to sell inappropriate and complicated products rather than products which would suit older people’s needs. However, there is a recommendation for identifying needs and expectations of older people coupled with access to required products and services, which are often unattainable through ‘edging out’ due to technological advancement or discrimination related to age.