Study finds 50% of South West adults fear ageism because of Covid-19 pandemic
There are concerns about the adequacy of care policies for older people
New research released today has revealed that ageism is on the rise in the South-West.
That is compared to a study done five years ago carried out by Pilgrims Friends Society.
The pandemic has made half of adults in the South-West fear ageing more, while close to three-quarters (70%) fear whether existing policies are adequate in caring for older people.
2047 people over the age of 18 were surveyed and 10% represented those living in the south west.
Five years ago, only one in five (23%) adults was afraid of ageing. The new study shows that close to two in five adults (38%) say they fear ageing— a 65% relative change over half a decade.
Two in five people in the South-West reported personally experiencing ageism, a figure that has remained constant over the last five years.
The charity, Pilgrims Friends Society, aims to help counter the increase in ageism - which according to WHO can impact health, longevity, wellbeing and even the economy - through care homes that encourage intergenerational community.
Pilgrims’ Friend Society Chief Executive Stephen Hammersley CBE says, “The increase in ageism and lack of confidence in policies around care for older people is concerning, particularly given the recent announcement of the Health and Social Care levy that reinforces the perception that older people are a drain on society. Statistics3 show that the population in the South West region of England is ageing in some areas more rapidly than other parts of the UK, and our care sector currently faces huge hurdles to give people the proper care they deserve when they’re older.”
“Perhaps, as is clearly demonstrated in these results, the biggest obstacle is our own attitude towards age, whether young or old. It can hinder the mutual understanding and the benefits that come from engaging with one another. As a Christian charity, we believe in the inherent value and dignity of a person, regardless of their age. That’s why we are investing in a national care home renewal programme, starting in Wiltshire with a new home in Chippenham that is designed to build intergenerational community, while ensuring the continued safety and mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of our residents.”
NEW CARE HOMES TO INTEGRATE RESIDENTS AND THE PUBLIC
The Pilgrims’ Friend Society Renewal Programme will see six brand new homes opened in the next 10 years, alongside investment in their current facilities to ensure their long-term usability. An official celebratory opening event will take place on 2 October, 2021 at Middlefields House in Chippenham, Wiltshire.
Organised into four households of twelve, Middlefields House residents will live like a family unit, with their own living and dining spaces, and be given the opportunity to contribute to life in the home. The care teams will be committed to a single household, allowing for a friendly and familiar atmosphere, and helping to reduce the likelihood of infections across the whole home. The positives of older age will be present, encouraged and celebrated alongside the very best care and active emotional and spiritual support.
The home is also designed to facilitate intergenerational engagement and community with a coffee shop, hair and beauty salon and children’s playground that will all be open to the public, along with rooms that can be hired out by local churches and community groups.