1. abcd
Does current government policy sufficiently incorporate the key determinants when tackling inequalities in older people’s health?
An examination of current Government policy to tackle the inequalities older people experience
Michaela Willmott, Age Concern England

2. Determinants of health: Dahlgren & Whitehead’s model

3. Key approaches
Health inequalities
Saving Lives: our healthier nation
Tackling health inequalities
From Vision to Reality
Improving quality and measuring change
National Service Frameworks
National Institute for Clinical Excellence

4. Policy context
The NHS Plan
Saving Lives: our healthier nation
The New NHS: modern, dependable
(The NSF for older People)

5. Inequalities agenda Definition of inequalities
Increasing life expectancy and reducing mortality
Focus on early years
Disease specific

6. The NSF for Older People
Whole systems approach
Health and social care services
Standard on promoting an active healthy life in older age
Rooting out age discrimination
Person-centred care
Relationship to other NSFs

7. Age discrimination
“On my last visit, I was informed by a nurse that my grandmother had been a ‘naughty girl’ because she hadn’t eaten her dinner. After the nurse had left, another patient took me aside and informed me that they had placed her food out of reach... without enquiring whether she needed any assistance”

8. Age discrimination
“It was only because I spoke out that I got the treatment I needed. But most older people won’t and that worries me a lot.”
“I didn’t become different - just older”

9. Ways forward
Consistency of policy and resources
Hospital downrating
Long term care
Involving older people
Quality measurement

10. Age discrimination Ways forward Cultural change Policy audit
Legislation
Structural change
Partnerships

11. Conclusion Age discrimination Involving older people
Life course approach