Men most at risk of isolated and lonely old age
1.7
million single older men could be living in isolation in the UK. Nearly
400,000 of these are single older men aged 75 and over. Furthermore it
is estimated that 289,000 single older men are living in poverty.
Older men’s lack of social links and contacts makes them even more
vulnerable to isolation in old age than women. And tragically many of
these men will be left alone this Christmas with little contact from
relatives, friends and neighbours.
Women on the other hand tend to have good links with family and
friends and are more likely to posses the skills to integrate
themselves fully into society than men. For instance women are more
likely than men to be members of their church or a gym.
Many older men also lack, or never have learnt, practical skills
such as shopping or cooking and may find themselves at a loss if they
have a partner or parent who dies before them. The support is not in
place that would help them remain living in the community, should they
become disabled.
This is particularly telling for white, black and mixed-race older
men who are more likely to suffer social isolation than Asian and
Chinese men who tend to have better social networks through their
cultural traditions.
Gordon Lishman, Age Concern’s Director General said: “Older men are
fast becoming the forgotten members of our society. They often
experience terrible loneliness in old age but are afraid to speak out
as pride gets in the way. Bereavement, illness and disability all add
to older men being socially isolated.”
“More has to be done and in particular there is a definite need for
existing services to be aimed directly at older men to tackle issues
such as financial security, affordable transport and opportunities for
employment.”
Age Concern is calling on local authorities to make sure that their
services target and involve older men to help prevent isolation and
give older men the skills they need to integrate themselves fully in
society.
For further information and specific Age Concern projects for older
men please call the Age Concern Information line on 0800 00 99 66.
Age Concern December 12th 2005
|
