Thursday 30th April 2015; Bloomsbury, London; 17:45 (for an 18:00 start) – 19:45, followed by a drinks reception.
With a week to go until the General Election took place, ILC-UK and Independent Age organised a debate on Thursday 30th April. Away from the heat and fury of the election campaign, we hoped to create a chance to have a real debate to identify the most important priorities for all political parties, if the UK is truly going to rise to the challenge of a rapidly ageing population, in the next Parliament.
Following the 2014 launch of 2030 Vision: The Best and Worst Futures for Older People in the UK, Independent Age invited more than 30 opinion formers and leading charities and think tanks to blog their views on what we need to do to get ready for demographic change. The blogs kick-started a consultation which saw over 300 people respond, sharing their own hopes and fears of growing older in the UK. The results of this consultation were published in Independent Age’s November 2014 document, ‘2030 Vision: What we have learnt’ – http://www.independentage.org/media/894910/2030visioninterim.pdf.
Six big themes emerged:
Ageist attitudes still exist and many people worry they will face discrimination or becoming hidden members of society
Older people worry about the cost of living and many fear they are being financially squeezed
Older people are increasingly concerned about the future quality and sustainability of health and social care services
Older people worry about feeling lonely, but they also have concerns about feeling cut off as digital services increasingly replace face-to-face service provision
Older people want to continue making a positive contribution to their neighbourhoods and communities
Older people have a keen sense of what’s fair and how their contributions should be rewarded in retirement, but they also worry about how their children and grandchildren will fare
During this debate we considered older people’s main concerns as identified in the consultation and identified the priority areas that any incoming government should focus on. We hope to include these in an open letter which would be sent to the leaders of the three main political parties after the election, outlining how organisations working on older people’s issues believe we can build a better future for older people in the UK.
Speakers and panellists included: Briony Gunstone (YouGov), Caroline Abrahams (Age UK), Claire Turner (JRF) and Paul Cann (Campaign Management Group Partner at Campaign to End Loneliness; CEO, Age UK [Oxfordshire]). The event was chaired by Baroness Sally Greengross (ILC-UK) and Janet Morrison (Independent Age)
Following the debate, delegates were invited to join us for wine and canapés. BBC Question Time, with David Cameron, Ed Miliband, Nick Clegg, presented by David Dimbleby was shown during this drinks reception.
2030 Vision: Building a Better Future for Older People in the UK
1. 2030 Vision: Building a Better
Future for Older People in the UK
Thursday 30th April 2015
This event is kindly supported by Independent Age
#future2030
6. Background
6
A quantitative survey of 2,421 UK adults was undertaken between 10th and 25th
September 2014.
2,221 interviews were conducted online. A further 200 interviews were conducted via Computer
Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI), to ensure a representative range of older people (aged
65+) were included.
The sample included boosts of adults aged 65+ to ensure robust coverage of this group.
Data were weighted by age, gender, region and household income to make the final dataset
representative of the UK population.
The objective of the study was to explore support needs among over 65s in the UK.
7. Older people can live comfortably with the
money that they need
7
8. Over a quarter of older people are concerned about current finances and
over a third in relation to the future – both highest among 65-74s
8
35%
22%
40%
47%
36%
43%
34%
29%
22%
28%
20% 17%
6% 7% 4% 6%
All 65+ 65-74 75-84 85+
30%
17%
33%
44%
33%
37%
33%
26%
27%
34%
25% 21%
9% 11% 7% 7%
All 65+ 65-74 75-84 85+
CURRENT FUTURE
D1_2. In general, to what extent, if at all, are you concerned about each of the following? - Your current financial situation
/ Your financial situation with regards to the future. Base: All aged 65+ (n=803), 65-74 (n=243), 75-84 (n=322), 85+
(n=238)
28% 35% 25% 22%
71% 65% 74% 77%
Concerned:
Unconcerned:
Not concerned at all Not very concerned Fairly concerned Very concerned
36% 44% 32% 29%
63% 55% 66% 70%
9. Half of those with the lowest incomes are concerned about future finances
– even among the highest income group, a quarter are concerned
9
31%
26%
31%
43%
52%
29% 37%
46%
35%
38%
28% 30%
22%
16%
5%10% 7% 6% 4%
< £10k £10k-£19k £20k-£29k £30k-£39k £40k+
24% 24% 24%
36%
42%
22%
35%
42%
33%
33%
36%
28%
31% 25%
23%
16% 12%
2% 7% 2%
< £10k £10k-£19k £20k-£29k £30k-£39k £40k+
CURRENT FUTURE
D1_2. In general, to what extent, if at all, are you concerned about each of the following? - Your current financial situation
/ Your financial situation with regards to the future. Base: 65+ with income of: <£10k (n=78), £10k-£19k (n=177), £20k-
£29k (n=123), £30k-£39k (n=69), £40k+ (n=74)
38% 37% 22% 22% 10%
60% 63% 77% 78% 90%
Concerned:
Unconcerned:
Not concerned at all Not very concerned Fairly concerned Very concerned
52% 41% 33% 32% 26%
46% 59% 67% 68% 74%
10. Older people can stay connected to their
families and the world around them
10
11. A fifth of older people are concerned about current social contact levels, and
a quarter about future levels – both increase steeply for those aged 85+
11
55% 52%
58%
53%
27% 33%
26%
21%
12% 11% 10%
17%
6% 4% 5% 9%
All 65+ 65-74 75-84 85+
42%
35%
47% 47%
33%
39%
32%
23%
19% 21% 15%
21%
5% 4% 5% 9%
All 65+ 65-74 75-84 85+
CURRENT FUTURE
D1_5. In general, to what extent, if at all, are you concerned about each of the following? - Your current amount of social
contact with others / Your amount of social contact with others in the future. Base: All aged 65+ (n=803), 65-74 (n=243),
75-84 (n=322), 85+ (n=238)
18% 15% 16% 26%
82% 85% 84% 74%
Concerned:
Unconcerned:
Not concerned at all Not very concerned Fairly concerned Very concerned
24% 25% 20% 29%
75% 74% 80% 70%
12. 15% of concerned older people – and 22% of those aged 85 – would like
more support in terms of befriending or similar services
12
76%
83%
74%
67%
6%
3%
8%
10%
2% 4%
4%
13% 10% 14% 18%
All 65+ 65-74 75-84 85+
15% 10% 17% 22%
82% 86% 81% 77%
Would like any/
more support:
No (further)
support needed:
Do not receive this support
but would like to
Receive some of this support
but would like to receive
more
Currently receive enough of
this support
Do not receive this support
and do not require it
Don’t know
D4. For each type of support, please say whether you: (Befriending or other services to combat loneliness/isolation)
Base: All concerned 65+s (n=555), 65-74 (n=171), 75-84 (n=211), 85+ (n=173)
13. 13
13%
21%
24%
14%
38%
40%
35%
34%
47%
38%
58%
63%
57%
6%
19%
20%
17%
28%
28%
27%
34%
37%
39%
44%
50%
69%
3%
11%
12%
24%
18%
17%
24%
22%
27%
38%
39%
37%
62%
7%
16%
18%
19%
26%
27%
28%
29%
36%
38%
46%
48%
63%
Risk of experiencing neglect or abuse (e.g. from staff or carers)
Access to transport
Ability to wash, dress or feed themselves properly
Financial situation
Ability to cook, clean or tidy the house
Ability to do everyday tasks such as shopping or posting letters
Vulnerability to crime / personal safety
Ability to do small jobs about the house
Loss of memory/dementia
Mental health (e.g. depression, anxiety)
Loneliness/isolation
Mobility levels (i.e. ability to walk or get around)
Physical health
All with concerns Person of concern is 65-75 Person of concern is 76-85 Person of concern is 85+
E7. Which, if any, of the following are you concerned about in relation to this person? Base: All concerned about an older
person, aged 65-75 (n=263), 76-85 (n=336), over 85 (n=195)
For those concerned about an older person in their life, mobility and
loneliness/isolation are among the top three concerns
A third of
adults (at any
age) are
concerned
about someone
aged over 65
Top concerns in relation to an older person
15. Over a third of older people are concerned about their current health,
rising to 44% of over 85s. Around half are concerned about future health.
15
25%
19%
29% 30%
37% 48%
33%
25%
28%
28%
27%
30%
9% 5% 10%
15%
All 65+ 65-74 75-84 85+
19%
11%
24% 25%
29%
35%
28% 21%
38% 42% 34%
39%
12% 11% 13% 13%
All 65+ 65-74 75-84 85+
CURRENT FUTURE
D1_1. In general, to what extent, if at all, are you concerned about each of the following? - Your current overall health /
Your overall health with regards to the future. Base: All aged 65+ (n=803), 65-74 (n=243), 75-84 (n=322), 85+ (n=238)
37% 33% 37% 44%
62% 67% 62% 55%
Concerned:
Unconcerned:
Not concerned at all Not very concerned Fairly concerned Very concerned
51% 53% 47% 52%
48% 46% 52% 46%
16. A quarter of concerned older people would like more support with
physical health, and 15% with mental health
16
27% 29% 24% 27%
48% 46%
48%
51%
15% 14% 17%
15%
8% 9% 9% 7%
All 65+ 65-74 75-84 85+
69% 68% 67% 72%
14% 11% 17%
14%
6% 6% 5%
7%
10% 11% 10% 6%
All 65+ 65-74 75-84 85+
PHYSICAL HEALTH MENTAL HEALTH
D4. For each type of support, please say whether you: (Regular support or advice relating to your physical health / mental
health) Base: All concerned 65+s (n=555), 65-74 (n=171), 75-84 (n=211), 85+ (n=173)
24% 23% 26% 21%
75% 75% 73% 78%
15% 17% 14% 13%
82% 79% 84% 85%
Do not receive this support but would like to
Receive some of this support but would like to receive more
Currently receive enough of this support
Do not receive this support and do not require it
Would like any/
more support:
No (further)
support needed:
17. 17
7%
16%
18%
19%
26%
27%
28%
29%
36%
38%
46%
48%
63%
Risk of experiencing neglect or abuse (e.g. from
staff or carers)
Access to transport
Ability to wash, dress or feed themselves properly
Financial situation
Ability to cook, clean or tidy the house
Ability to do everyday tasks such as shopping or
posting letters
Vulnerability to crime / personal safety
Ability to do small jobs about the house
Loss of memory/dementia
Mental health (e.g. depression, anxiety)
Loneliness/isolation
Mobility levels (i.e. ability to walk or get around)
Physical health
A third of adults
(at any age) are
concerned
about someone
aged over 65
For those concerned about an older person in their life, physical health is
the top concern, and mental health is in the top four
E1. Are you concerned about an older person (aged 65 or older) in your life, in relation to these issues? Base: All UK
adults (n=2,421). E7. Which, if any, of the following are you concerned about in relation to this person? Base: All
concerned about an older person (n=813)
Top concerns in relation to an older person
18. Older people can live free from discrimination
and make an active contribution in later life
18
19. A fifth of older people are concerned about personal safety currently, and
over a quarter in relation to the future – highest among 65-74s
19
44%
35%
48% 52%
36%
45%
32% 26%
16% 16% 16%
14%
4% 4% 3% 7%
All 65+ 65-74 75-84 85+
37%
25%
43%
49%
34%
40%
32%
28%
22%
28%
20% 17%
5% 6% 5% 5%
All 65+ 65-74 75-84 85+
CURRENT FUTURE
D1_4. In general, to what extent, if at all, are you concerned about each of the following? - Your current situation with
regards to personal safety and security / Your situation with regards to personal safety and security in the future
Base: All aged 65+ (n=803), 65-74 (n=243), 75-84 (n=322), 85+ (n=238)
20% 20% 19% 21%
80% 80% 81% 78%
Concerned:
Unconcerned:
Not concerned at all Not very concerned Fairly concerned Very concerned
27% 34% 25% 22%
71% 65% 74% 77%
20. 20
7%
16%
18%
19%
26%
27%
28%
29%
36%
38%
46%
48%
63%
Risk of experiencing neglect or abuse (e.g. from
staff or carers)
Access to transport
Ability to wash, dress or feed themselves properly
Financial situation
Ability to cook, clean or tidy the house
Ability to do everyday tasks such as shopping or
posting letters
Vulnerability to crime / personal safety
Ability to do small jobs about the house
Loss of memory/dementia
Mental health (e.g. depression, anxiety)
Loneliness/isolation
Mobility levels (i.e. ability to walk or get around)
Physical health
A third of adults
(at any age) are
concerned
about someone
aged over 65
For those concerned about an older person in their life, vulnerability to
crime / personal safety is a significant concern
E1. Are you concerned about an older person (aged 65 or older) in your life, in relation to these issues? Base: All UK
adults (n=2,421). E7. Which, if any, of the following are you concerned about in relation to this person? Base: All
concerned about an older person (n=813)
Top concerns in relation to an older person
21. 21
13%
21%
24%
14%
38%
40%
35%
34%
47%
38%
58%
63%
57%
6%
19%
20%
17%
28%
28%
27%
34%
37%
39%
44%
50%
69%
3%
11%
12%
24%
18%
17%
24%
22%
27%
38%
39%
37%
62%
Risk of experiencing neglect or abuse (e.g. from staff or carers)
Access to transport
Ability to wash, dress or feed themselves properly
Financial situation
Ability to cook, clean or tidy the house
Ability to do everyday tasks such as shopping or posting letters
Vulnerability to crime / personal safety
Ability to do small jobs about the house
Loss of memory/dementia
Mental health (e.g. depression, anxiety)
Loneliness/isolation
Mobility levels (i.e. ability to walk or get around)
Physical health
Person of concern is 65-75 Person of concern is 76-85 Person of concern is 85+
E7. Which, if any, of the following are you concerned about in relation to this person? Base: All concerned about an older
person, aged 65-75 (n=263), 76-85 (n=336), over 85 (n=195)
Concerns with both personal safety and risk of abuse/neglect increase
dramatically with the age of the person concerned about
38% among
those concerned
about someone
in a residential
care home
Top concerns in relation to an older person
22. Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director, Age UK
Claire Turner, Head of Team (Ageing Society), JRF
Paul Cann, Campaign Management Group Partner,
Campaign to End Loneliness; CEO, Age UK
(Oxfordshire)
Panel Response
This event is kindly supported by Independent Age
#future2030
23. 1) Older people can live free from discrimination and make
an active contribution in later life.
2) Older people can live comfortably with the money they
need.
3) Older people can stay connected to their families and
the world around them.
4) Older people can live healthily and get the health and
care services they want.
Breakout Session
This event is kindly supported by Independent Age
#future2030
26. Wine reception with canapés and
televised BBC Question Time
Election Special
ALL
This event is kindly supported by Independent Age
#future2030
27. 2030 Vision: Building a Better
Future for Older People in the UK
Thursday 30th April 2015
This event is kindly supported by Independent Age
#future2030
