Some emergency officials admit that they have little hope of helping people infected with a nerve agent like sarin, or a disease like smallpox, and that their plans focus on ensuring that those infected are isolated from the rest of the population rather than treated.

ECONOMIST: The enemy within | The

"This research paints a vivid picture of the range of challenges that are faced by older and disabled people and will play a crucial role in ensuring their needs are placed front and centre of plans to improve our payment systems, " said Stephen Locke, a director of the Payments Council.

BBC: Elderly face cash access strife, says Payments Council