Age UK research lays bare the drastic impact of the pandemic on our older population’s health and morale

Black and white image of older lady with head in hands

11 November 2020

As Age UK launches its Winter Resilience Campaign, research has been published that shows just how crushingly hard day to day life has been for millions of older people during the pandemic and how important it is that we support our older population through the winter.

The new research finds that some older people are coping with the pandemic, but a sizeable minority are finding life incredibly tough. Those who are not very well and have long term health conditions were particularly likely to report that this is an extremely challenging time for them.

The study shows that many older people are enduring increased and sometimes devastating levels of anxiety, in part because they know they are at serious risk from the virus – an invisible deadly enemy. Even during the summer, when restrictions were eased, many were too afraid to go out.

Months of being cooped up at home have led to muscle weakness – ‘deconditioning’ as clinicians term it - and sometimes a reduced sense of balance, increasing the risk of falls.

The research also uncovered many examples of depression, loss of hope, low mood, lack of support for meal preparation, deteriorating physical health and increased pain due to untreated health conditions. These have impacted on some older people’s appetites and diets, which in turn threatened to weaken their resilience still further.

Other signs of the depressed state in which a sizeable minority of older people now found themselves, were their inability to gain pleasure from activities they usually enjoyed, and the fact they couldn’t muster the energy and enthusiasm to look after themselves, or their homes, to their usual standards.

Older people with pre-existing health conditions were some of the hardest hit by the pandemic so far and those who were shielding were about half as likely again to be feeling more anxious since lockdown than those who were not.Seeing their loved ones deteriorate was causing families great anguish. They feared that what had been lost would never return.

Caroline Abrahams, Age UK’s Charity Director, said: “This pandemic is tough for everyone, but older people have the added anxiety of knowing that for them the risks of catching Covid-19 are higher’.  We have rightly heard a lot about the enormous problems facing older people in care homes, but this new research reveals that life is extremely challenging for many cooped up for month after month in their own homes too.

“Age UK was already committed to running a Winter Resilience Campaign to help our older population and as a Charity we will certainly do everything we can, but this research emphasises how important it is that we all rally round the older people in our lives, and that they take steps to keep themselves as fit and well as possible too. Our campaign is designed to help them do just that.

Age UK is launching a new campaign aimed at supporting older people to get through winter at a time when they are most vulnerable. Age UK is urging everyone to stick together and not to forget the many older people who are still struggling and who face many challenges this winter.

Age UK advise older people to:

  1. Have a flu vaccination every year – the new vaccine introduced this year for people aged 65+ has an agent which helps boost the immune system and helps fight illnesses. If you are over 65 and haven’t had a pneumonia jab before you may be able to get one. Find out if you’re eligible when you have your flu jab. If you are caring for a loved one aged 65+ it is also important that you have a flu vaccine.
     
  2. Keep moving and eat well – try not to sit still for more than one hour at a time, even if you just move your arms and legs. If you can, stay active. Not only will it keep you fit and healthy, it will also generate heat to keep you warmer.

    If you are struggling with big meals try eating little and often. Something is better than nothing, even if the only thing you fancy is a slice a cake. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids too.
     
  3. Contact your GP about any health concerns - if you feel unwell and you need to speak to a health professional please do. The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in fewer people accessing NHS services for a range of conditions that are not related to coronavirus. Be reassured that you won’t be a burden on the NHS and your GP will be able to help you.
     
  4. Keep warm to stay well – heat your living room and your bedroom to a temperature that feels comfortable. Draw curtains in the evening to prevent heat loss, and tuck long curtains behind radiators so that heat isn’t trapped. Keep radiators and heaters clear of furniture and washing so the warm air can circulate and if there are rooms that are not in use turn off the radiators and heaters and close the doors. Use heating controls and timers to heat your home without wasting energy.
      
  5. Call Age UK’s befriending services to help combat any feelings of loneliness. Read more here
     
  6. Winter-proof your finances - Lots of us find winter an expensive time of year. Darker nights and cold weather often mean higher bills, plus the festive season can put a strain on your pocket. Age UK has some important information on how to get your home and your finances ready for winter - read more here

Age UK offers the following advice on how to look after ourselves during winter:
www.ageuk.org.uk/winter

If you look after a partner, relative or friend who is disabled or ill due to physical or mental health, you are a carer, even if you don’t think of yourself as one. Find out about the emotional, practical and financial support available to you. Don't struggle alone in your caring role, take care of yourself too, find local support and useful information and advice on the rest of our site.

If you are aged 50+, live in Middlesbrough and are caring for a loved one contact Age UK Teesside and access their Time For You project

Time For You can provide;

  • a free service for a befriending volunteer to visit your loved one / cared for at home. The volunteer can sit with your loved one, have a cup of tea or coffee and have a chat.
  • a friendly, listening ear.
  • you with the opportunity to have time for yourself.
  • information and offer the opportunity to access other services in your area.

Contact Helen Metcalfe: Telephone: 01642 805500 or e-mail: helen.metcalfe@ageukteesside.org.uk 

Download and read the full Age UK report