Below are some of the main stories from the most recent newsletter from the Centre for Ageing Better – to sign up for the newsletter, please visit their website
Breaking the Links between Ageism and Health: An Integrated Perspective
Henry, D., et al., Ageing Research Reviews – February 2024
This paper emphasises how ageism, both externally from healthcare systems and internally as self-directed beliefs, significantly impact older people’s health and well-being. The results suggest a need for a comprehensive strategy involving healthcare systems, professionals, and individuals to combat ageism, including ways to challenge negative self-perceptions in older populations.
Assessing the Prevalence of Gendered Ageism Among Long-Term Care Employees
Loy-Ashe, T., et al., Journal of Long-Term Care – February 2024
This paper conducts mixed-methods research to explore the attitudes of long-term care employees in the United States towards age and gender. Drawing on findings from interviews, surveys, and analysis of social media posts, it identifies and explores ageism, sexism, and ableism in employees’ interactions with and attitudes towards residents.
Involving older people in the preparedness, response, and recovery phases in humanitarian emergencies: a theoretical framework on ageism, epistemic injustice, and participation
Van Boetzelaer, E., et al., The Lancet Health Longevity – January 2024
This paper explores the exclusion of older individuals from humanitarian emergency planning, response, and recovery, emphasising the disproportionate impact on their well-being. It argues that traditional approaches to humanitarian emergencies neglect the diverse needs and strengths of older people during crises, and advocates for inclusive, participatory methods that engage older individuals directly in decision-making processes.
Benefit Take-up and Older People
Age UK – January 2024
This briefing outlines benefit take-up amongst older people in the UK, including non-take up of Pension Credit and Housing Benefit. The briefing also outlines several ways to improve benefit take-up amongst eligible older people. This includes investment in information and advice services, and government initiatives to pro-actively contact those who are eligible.
Cold at home: How winter cost of living pressures continue to impact older People And what more needs to happen to support them
Age UK – February 2024
This report explores the cost of living for older people, with particularly focus on the winter. The research highlights that a significant portion of those aged 60 and above find it difficult to manage, and nearly half worry about heating their homes and paying bills. The report highlights the urgent need for increased support to alleviate these hardships.
Life expectancy in the UK: 2020 to 2022
Office for National Statistics – January 2024
Drawing on 2021 census data, this statistical bulletin outlines trends in life expectancy across the UK. The data shows life expectancy improvements have slowed over the last decade and have been affected by high mortality rates during the COVID-19 pandemic. The data shows life at expectancy at birth in the UK in 2020 to 2022 was 78.6 years for males and 82.6 years for females, a slight fall from 2017 to 2019.