1. Improving later life - Understanding the oldest old Michelle Mitchell Charity Director General Age UK

2. This is the generation who…… First World War NHS Cold War Computers and internet Second World War Great Depression LandgirlsMunitions 17 PMs Man on the moon Test tube babies Age of austerity Martin Luther King 60s

3. The ‘fourth’ generation What was formerly a small group of exceptional individuals is rapidly becoming a whole new generation Fastest growing age group (1.4m today - 5m by 2050, 85+ UK) Largest users of health and social care Most likely to have needs AND face barriers There is a knowledge ‘shadow’ about this age group We should be celebrating longevity We want to increase understanding and challenge assumptions, especially the 'demographic time bomb' www.ageuk.org.uk/oldest

4. Some stats Once you’ve got to 85, you can still expect to live for an average of 7 years People in their 80s are happier than young adults (20yrs + and middle age up to 59 years) Two thirds of all those 80+ living in the community live independently Only about 16% of people over 85 live in residential care However: One in five people 80+ feels depressed much of the time Over 80s are much more likely (nearly 6x as likely) to have difficulties managing money than people in their 60s and 70s Over 80 per cent of people aged 80+ in England have a limiting longstanding illness The over 80s are twice as likely to feel lonely much of the time as those in their 60s and 70s

5. What the book tells us People get more diverse the older they get Chronological age should not be the deciding factor for health and social care A lot of things assumed to be inevitable aren’t and can be treated Prevention and early treatment key in keeping the very old from being frail and dependent The social interaction needs we all have continue to be important, if not more so, as we get very old There is never an age when it’s best to sit and rest all the time Life isn’t over once you hit 85 – many enjoy independence and a good quality of life

6. Abandon preconceptions about the oldest old Ignore age and look at the person Learn from the oldest old Understand the importance of social relationships Prevent, identify, and treat depression Help people live well with dementia Realise that exercise is still key for the oldest old Keep teeth and mouths healthy Manage sleep Provide technology for all Key messages

7. Listen to and care about the oldest old Photograph taken by Sue Rea as part of Maeve Rea’s research ‘I don’t feel 90, just 21 and a wee bit.’ ‘I would like to try and reach 100 – and over it.’ ‘My family are all very good. All very good.’

8. What would help Health and care services tailored to individual needs and based on a more sophisticated understanding of our ageing population The NHS improving access to key services for older people Education and training of care professionals adapted to our older and ageing population Care, support and local services focused more on preventing the onset of health conditions and creating living spaces that promote active ageing Approaching care with full regard for older people’s dignity Public and private service providers supporting greater intergenerational contact to help combat ageism