Report highlights health impact of abuse and loneliness for elderly

A report which reveals the challenges facing many elderly people has been produced by LJMU’s Public Health Institute in partnership with the Welsh government.

With an ageing population – almost 20% of the UK population is over 65 - life is often bleak for people who are isolated or struggle to access health and social care.

Professor Mark Bellis, director of the PHI and a joint author, says the feedback suggests that society needs to “look afresh at attitudes to elderly people”.

Mark’s team, in tandem with Public Health Wales questioned more than 1,000 over 65s with significant numbers facing challenges to a happy, healthy third age.

The issue was raised by BBC Wales following publication of the report this week.

Nearly one in five experience loneliness and isolation, with a similar proportion having financial difficulties.

Also:

- Almost one in three said they’d been unable to access health or social care

- One in eight felt overwhelmed by caregiving responsibilities

- One in eight had experienced verbal abuse.

Significantly, experiences of abuse were also linked to other indicators of ill health, such as smoking, drinking or having suicidal thoughts.

Dr Jo Hopkins, of Public Health Wales, also echoed calls to reconsider attitudes to the elderly.

“When you get behind the headlines, people who are isolated are often those with existing medical conditions that make it difficult to get out, or to meet others, or who are struggling with their mental wellbeing.

“Let’s think of people being capable and with a lot to give and not dismiss them as being less able, or frail or not able to be part of things.”

The Welsh government says social connections are vital to good health and their strategy aims to strengthen their rights and support services.

The report is called Abuse and other adversities in community-dwelling older adults in Wales: associations with health and well-being.