People in Norfolk mostly have a negative view of growing older and are concerned about a loss of independence, the cost of living and a lack of support as they age, according to the latest research from Healthwatch Norfolk.
Norfolk has an older population than the national average, with demand for social care expected to rise. Norfolk County Council’s Adult Social Care team asked Healthwatch Norfolk to undertake a three-year project to provide insight into how people can be supported to stay independent for as long as possible.
Three reports outlining the findings of the second year of this project are set to be published over the coming months, with the first focusing on how people over the age of 55 are preparing for later life and what support they might need to do so. You can read the first report here.
Later reports will explore family involvement in the care of older relatives and post-hospital discharge care.
What did we find?
Most people we spoke to had negative expectations of ageing, often linking it with poor health, loss of independence and limited support from health and care services. Many were worried about long waiting times and experiencing what they saw as ageism in health services. Money worries and the rising cost of living were also major concerns.
A number of people said they were preparing for growing older by eating healthily, staying physically active, making a will, and keeping socially connected. However, fewer people had made plans such as setting up a lasting power of attorney or adapting their homes for life in old age. People with long-term conditions and disabilities often found it harder to maintain social connections, while those from minority ethnic backgrounds faced particular barriers with pensions and wills, often due to having spent less time in the UK.
While staying independent was considered important by most, it was felt a good network of friends and family and robust support services were necessary for this to be achieved.
Recommendations
Based on these findings Healthwatch Norfolk has made a series of recommendations to Norfolk County Council’s Adult Social Care team. These include better communication around how to prepare for later life, expanding affordable physical and social activity opportunities in communities and tackling perceptions of ageism in health and care.
Alex Stewart, Chief Executive of Healthwatch Norfolk, said: “Helping the people of Norfolk prepare well for later life is of the utmost importance if we are to address the rising demand on adult social care, particularly in a county such as ours with an older demographic.
“That the majority of people we spoke to have a negative outlook on the experience of growing older, serves as a reminder of the need to invest in their future wellbeing for both the benefit of the individual and the wider healthcare system.
“Our findings highlight the importance of striking a balance between promoting independence and providing the necessary support structure to enable people to age healthily and happily. We look forward to working with Norfolk County Council’s Adult Social Care team on gaining further insight into ways in which this can be achieved.”