Effects? Elderly

Question 1

Poor pensioners face greater social exclusion

Answer 1

Those being excluded from decent housing, public transport and local amenities increases amongst the elderly poor. Ginn and Arbiter found the elderly suffer more from social isolation. With many pensioners unable to drive cars, they are restricted in their dependence on public transport.

Mobility is also worsened by poor health and disability. Research also shows that among those aged 60 or over, around a quarter of women feel very unsafe out at night, four times the proportion for men.

Question 2

Poverty increases the chances of ill health amongst the elderly

Answer 2

Ill health will increase amongst the elderly if they cannot afford a healthy diet and if they cannot afford adequate heating in their homes.
JRF reports that one in five people aged 60 and over are skipping meals to save money on food‚ while two fifths are struggling to afford essential items and a third of adults aged 65-74 report a limiting longstanding sickness or disability. Those aged 65 and over who had routine or manual jobs are more likely to suffer a long-standing illness or disability than those with non-manual work histories

Question 3

Material Deprivation

Answer 3

Age concern found that two fifths of elderly people are struggling to afford essential items. Many cannot afford to meet unexpected expenses or afford items like a one week annual holiday away from home‚ or eating a substantial meal twice a week.
Not having informal support from family and friends had a negative impact on the material circumstances of those pensioners living on low incomes eg helping with transport needs, help around the house and increased feelings of isolation.