The Centre for Ageing Better has published the findings from a recent report by Ipsos MORI which reveals more about the impact of lockdown on people in their 50s and 60s.
Lockdown has changed our sense of normality and we now need to get back to the things and people we love – but it isn’t necessarily straight forward and a lot of worries remain.
While the government is preoccupied with the crisis of COVID-19, rising unemployment and a shrinking economy, there is a need to also consider the longer term effects on people’ health and wellbeing.
People aged over 50, but under 70 are often overlooked and yet, with many still in work, and a third of them keyworkers, this generation could be part of our economic recovery. Sadly lockdown has left many worried about their financial circumstances in the run up to drawing their pensions.
Anna Dixon, Chief Executive at The Centre for Ageing said:
“The lockdown period has had a huge impact on people in their 50s and 60s, with all elements of people’s lives turned upside down – from their finances to their family lives.
“For many, this has been an incredibly worrying time. Lockdown has taken a toll on people’s health, and put many at risk of financial insecurity. But for some there have also been opportunities to re-think their work-life balance, get involved in their communities, and build new, healthier habits.
“It’s crucial that the needs of this group aren’t overlooked as we move into the recovery period. We have a window of opportunity to build on the positive changes many people have been making, from exercising more to connecting with their communities.
“But without action to support people’s health and help those who have lost jobs back into work, many in this generation face a retirement scarred by the impact of lockdown.”
The Ipsos MORI large-scale study, is perhaps the first of its kind, on how lockdown has affected the lives of people in their 50s and 60s across England – and how it might change their futures.