Older People – Isolation and Loneliness, Cheltenham Intro to Research Task: Cheltenham Partnership

Cheltenham Partnership has recently produced a new action plan that sets out the priorities for collective action. Cheltenham Partnership has recognised the potential issues regarding the loneliness and isolation of older people Priority Action Plan

In 2026 the under 55 population in Cheltenham will make up 45.7% compared to 49.2% in 2001 The 2011 census suggests a 32.5% growth in year olds by 2035 and a 93.8% increase of over 80 year olds Cheltenham’s population is predicted to increase by 10% in the next 20 years or so, with the majority of growth coming from the over 60s. Background - 1

Maintaining life satisfaction and social participation can have a positive influence on: Quality of life Physical wellbeing Health Mental functioning Life expectancy Background - 2

Social relationships – if the person has contact at least once a week with friends and/or family. Cultural engagement – if the person takes part in cultural activities such as trip to the cinema, museum, art gallery, festival, opera, theatre or concert at least once a year. Civic Participation – if the person is member of a political party, trade union or environmental group; a tenants’ or neighbourhood group or neighbourhood watch; a church or religious group; or a charitable association; or takes part in voluntary work at least once in the last year. Leisure activities – if the person is a member of an education, arts or music group or evening class; a social club; a sports club, gym or exercise class; or other organisation, club or society. How do you measure social isolation?

Those living alone Recent disengagement from a career/job Carer Ex carer Unfriendly Living environment for older people e.g. living in a flat. Poor health Disabilities Poor wealth Depression Recent Bereavement Gender Marital status Poor access to public transport Poor access to amenities Little contact with family and friends What factors make older people more vulnerable?

Identify where older people (aged over 75) are living in Cheltenham and where they are living in one person households Identify the level of social isolation as measured by the four main indicators (Social Relationships, Cultural Engagement, Civic Activities and Leisure Activities) experienced by older people within Cheltenham. Identify if there are there any particular groups of older people that are more detached than others? E.g. gender, marital status, etc. Identify and map social groups and support organisations for older people in Cheltenham and then to assess if these are accessible to the areas where there are significant numbers of older people. Find how activities and resources should be advertised to older people Location of income deprived older people What do we want to do?

How to prevent? – need focus not just on older people but also on younger older people Continuity theory – people remain active and engaged throughout life. When a person becomes older they fall back on their most successful social frameworks (Conger, 2013). Need to consider: Do older people know of the groups available to them? What do older people like doing? What would increase their participation in community groups? What time of the day best suits older people? It is assumed day time, but many who could give older people a lift are at work. – also these may only attract older old people What do older people want to contribute to their communities? What do older people care about most? What do older people fear the most? Identify older people volunteers to help fellow older people within their communities Also…

Desk top research – 2011 census results, secondary research Work with partners who have detailed knowledge of particular areas Use key contacts Questionnaire Focus groups – informal chats with older people, set up by partnerships How will we do it?

Rachael Capener - Housing support manager, CBC. Jim Rollinson - Secretary and Trustee of Gloucestershire Older Persons' Association Michele Le Mero - Public Health Manager Older People, Accident Prevention, Forest of Dean Locality Mike Brereton – 2 gether NHS Foundation Trust Liz Penwill Key contacts already involved:

Park and Prestbury have the largest number of over 75 year olds living alone So far identified…

Comment on proposed methodology Help identify what groups, activities and support is already available in the community for older people in Cheltenham Advise on ways to distribute questionnaires Be part of a task and finish group to help guide the work How can partners help?