Category: Older People

Podcast

Why do we address social isolation?

Source: Ambition for Ageing

There has been a shift in recent years towards looking at social isolation and loneliness as an area of policy. In this podcast guests Paul McGarry and Kate Jopling talk about the move from deficit-based models where we link ageing purely to health and social care to looking at assets and supporting older people to continue being active within their communities.

Topics covered include the impact of cuts and population changes on how we age, why the difference between loneliness and social isolation is important and how understanding the difference between the two can shape how we support people. This episode also features short discussions with Ageing Better partners Vic Stirling from Sheffield, Stephen Raybold from Birmingham and Corinna Hyman from Camden.

Listen to the podcast here.

Covid 19 Vaccination

Making vaccination a condition of deployment in older adult care homes

Source: The King’s Fund Health Management and Policy Alert

Older adults living in care homes have been significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic because of their heightened risk to COVID-19 infection, often with devastating consequences, as well as the risk of outbreaks in these closed settings.

To increase vaccine take-up among staff working in care homes, the government is considering amending the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. This would mean older adult care home providers could only use those staff who have received the Covid-19 vaccination (or those with a legitimate medical exemption) in line with government guidance. You can get involved and participate by completing this public survey.

The deadline for responding to the consultation is 21 May 2021.

For more information on the consultation click here.

Digital inclusion and older people

How have things changed in a Covid world?

Source: The King’s Fund Health and Wellbeing Bulletin

This briefing paper looks at the impact the pandemic has had on internet use among people aged 52+ in England. It considers what needs to be done to ensure that everyone who can benefit from digital technology does so while taking care to make sure that those who find it difficult to access or use digital technology are not left behind.

For more information click here.

Loneliness

How can psychological approaches help tackle loneliness?

A new policy report from the Campaign to End Loneliness looks at evidence for using psychological approaches, such as mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), to tackle loneliness for older adults.

Mental and Physical Health

Five activities that can protect your mental and physical health as you age

No one is immune to developing chronic illnesses such as heart disease, cancer or arthritis as they get older. But research shows social activities, like joining clubs, interest groups or volunteering, are linked to better mental and physical health and a longer lifespan.

Read more here

News

Older people encouraged to ditch “stiff upper lip” approach to mental ill health

NHS England and Age UK have joined forces in a campaign to encourage older people to access treatment for mental health conditions, as new analysis shows a majority of older people do not seek help.  New data reveals that more than six in 10 people in the UK aged over 65 or over have experienced depression and anxiety.

Read more here

No age limit: the hidden face of domestic abuse

Age UK, November 2019

Age UK report calling for legislation to change what is understood as domestic abuse and make it easier for people to recognise or report it, as well as improving the resources available to help victims and survivors. This includes training for health care practitioners and better links between the NHS and police.

Click here to view the full report.

Delivering the NHS long-term plan’s ambition of ageing well: Old age psychiatry as a vital resource

Royal College of Psychiatrists, October 2019

Guidance from the Royal College of Psychiatrists to help local areas plan and deliver specialist services, led by old age psychiatrists, to meet the needs of older people. The report brings together views from older people, service users, carers and a wide range of health and social care professionals and provides insight into:

• the essential role played by old age psychiatrists, and the Older People’s Mental Health (OPMH) services to whom they provide leadership, in delivering high quality outcomes for the health and wellbeing of the UK’s ageing population;

• the centrality of this to the Ageing Well agenda; and

• how best to support decision-makers responsible for implementing the NHS LTP as it affects older people

Click here to view the full report.