18 July 2008
Councils need to focus more on helping older people to remain active citizens rather than concentrating solely on the needs of the infirm minority, the local government watchdog said this week.
The Audit Commission is warning that councils are not prepared for the problems of an ageing population, particularly those whose population is ageing fastest.
The commission asked older 'mystery shoppers' to identify everyday difficulties they faced in accessing council services. They found that most of the 49 councils approached need to change the way they provide information in areas such as volunteering, leisure and social activities, learning opportunities and transport.
Don't stop me now – preparing for an ageing population, published on July 17, warns that the 'invisible majority' of older people risk becoming isolated and vulnerable unless councils can better serve their needs.
Commission chair Michael O'Higgins said: 'By 2029, nearly 40% of England's population will be over 50. These are active people, anxious to stay independent as long as possible. Despite the stereotypes, only 3% of people aged between 65 and 80 live in residential care. But it's worrying that the councils in areas with the most over-50s are the least prepared to cope with their
long-term needs.
'Ex-punk rockers and Rolling Stones fans are not going to be happy with a cup of tea and daytime TV. As people live longer, those who can help them stay well and independent need to be a little more imaginative.'
John Dixon, president of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services, said he was 'fully aware' of the challenges raised by the commission. '[We] are working flat out… to ensure that our services for adults are more than fit for purpose,' he said.
The need for older people to remain socially active was also underlined by a long-term study into ageing. Presenting the latest findings from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing on July 16, Sir Michael Marmot, professor of public health at University College London, said one in ten older people experienced 'social detachment'.
They did not participate in social or cultural activities and tended to be poor, in bad health, unmarried, and have no access to a car or public transport.
The study also highlighted the strong relationship between poverty and life expectancy. The poorest people are more than twice as likely to die at any given age than the richest.
Marmot said: 'The study shows that mortality, ill health, social isolation and loneliness all differed, in a graded way, with people's wealth: less wealth was associated with being sicker, less functional and more isolated.'
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