Search results for ‘Subject term:"older people"’ Sort:
Results 1 - 7 of 7
The present retirement crisis and how social workers can respond
- Authors:
- MILLER David B., HOKENSTAD M.Terry, BERG Kristen
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 60(5), 2017, pp.395-407.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Research on Americans’ retirement readiness indicates a wide range of preparedness for the golden years. Called a “crisis” by researchers, retirement for some may include significant choices: continued employment or utilisation of social welfare services. This article describes factors contributing to the retirement crisis and roles social workers can play in assisting older retirees. Disparity in household retirement savings exists by ethnicity. On the front lines serving ageing individuals and their families, social work professionals are well situated to collaborate with individuals, and other providers, to address financial, social and emotional pillars necessary in facilitating a safe and secure retirement. (Edited publisher abstract)
UK poverty 2017: a comprehensive analysis of poverty trends and figures
- Author:
- JOSEPH ROWNTREE FOUNDATION
- Publisher:
- Joseph Rowntree Foundation
- Publication year:
- 2017
- Pagination:
- 113
- Place of publication:
- York
This report assesses the progress the UK is making in reducing poverty rates and tackling the underlying drivers of poverty, examining how UK poverty has changed over the last 20 years, as well as more recent developments. Nearly a quarter (24%) of the UK’s population lived in poverty 20 years ago. By 2004, this had fallen to one in five (20%) of the population. By 2015/16, the proportion had risen slightly to 22%. However, the overall trend masks large variations in the fortunes of different groups. Over the last 20 years the UK succeeded in reducing poverty significantly among those groups who had traditionally been at most risk – pensioners and some types of families with children. Very little progress was made in reducing poverty among working-age households without children. In more recent years, poverty rates have started to rise again among both pensioners and families with children. The report suggests that solving poverty in the UK will require urgent action in five areas: reform of Universal Credit so people keep more of what they earn and a lifting of the working-age benefits freeze so incomes keep up with prices; reduce the cost of living, particularly housing, for those on low incomes; improve education and skills, especially among children from low-income backgrounds and adults in low-paid work; work with employers and business to create more and better jobs where they are needed, and to offer more opportunities and better pay to people who currently struggle to enter and gain from work – particularly disabled people, those caring for adults or children, and part-time workers; work with communities and service providers to improve health, family relationships and social support to reduce the damage done by poverty and improve prospects. (Edited publisher abstract)
Poverty and social exclusion in the UK. Volume 1: the nature and extent of the problem
- Editors:
- DERMOTT Esther, MAIN Gill
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- Publication year:
- 2017
- Pagination:
- 280
- Place of publication:
- Bristol
Defining poverty as those whose lack of resources forces them to live below a publicly agreed minimum standard, this text provides unique and detailed insights into the nature and extent of poverty and social exclusion in the UK today. The book reports on the extent and nature of poverty for different social groups: older and younger people; parents and children; ethnic groups; men and women; disabled people; and across regions through the recent period of austerity. It reflects on where government policies have made an impact and considers potential future developments. A companion volume Poverty and Social Exclusion in the UK Volume 2 focuses on different aspects of poverty and social exclusion identified in the study. (Edited publisher abstract)
Adverse childhood experiences and substance use history among vulnerable older adults living in public housing
- Authors:
- LARKIN Heather, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 60(6-7), 2017, pp.428-442.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Previous research shows strong correlations between adverse childhood experiences (ACE) and later life health. The current study examines the relationship between ACEs and substance use among older adults living in public housing. Results show that about one-third of participants had four or more ACEs, and ACE score predicted likelihood of substance use history. Over half of older adults with four or more ACEs experienced substance abuse in their lifetime compared to one out of ten older adults with less than four ACEs. Findings shed light on a vulnerable group and point to next steps in research and practice. (Publisher abstract)
Inequalities in receipt of mental and physical healthcare in people with dementia in the UK
- Authors:
- COOPER Claudia, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Age and Ageing, 46(3), 2017, pp.393-400.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
Background: UK Dementia Strategies prioritise fair access to mental and physical healthcare. This study investigated whether there are inequalities by deprivation or gender in healthcare received by people with dementia, and compared healthcare received by people with and without dementia. Methods: The study investigated primary care records of 68,061 community dwelling dementia patients and 259,337 people without dementia (2002–13). It tested hypotheses that people with dementia from more deprived areas, and who are women receive more psychotropic medication, fewer surgery consultations, are less likely to receive annual blood pressure, weight monitoring and an annual review, compared with those from less deprived areas and men. Results: Only half of people with dementia received a documented annual review. Deprivation was not associated with healthcare received. Compared to men with dementia, women with dementia had lower rates of surgery consultations, of annual blood pressure monitoring and of annual weight monitoring. Men with dementia were less likely to be taking psychotropic medication than women with dementia. People with dementia had fewer surgery consultations and were less likely to have their weight and blood pressure monitored at least annually, compared to the non-dementia group. Conclusions: People with dementia, in particular women, appear to receive less primary healthcare, but take more psychotropic medication that may negatively impact their physical health. Reducing these inequalities and improving access of people with dementia to preventative healthcare could improve the health of people with dementia. (Edited publisher abstract)
Does living in a retirement village extend life expectancy? The case of Whiteley Village
- Authors:
- MAYHEW Les, RICKAYZEN Ben, SMITH David
- Publisher:
- International Longevity Centre UK
- Publication year:
- 2017
- Pagination:
- 49
- Place of publication:
- London
Using the case of Whiteley Village in Surrey, this joint report from the International Longevity Centre UK and Cass Business School investigates potential of retirement village life to increase the life expectancy of its residents. The report provides a brief background to the history of Whiteley Village, a charitable retirement community established in 1914, now comprising of just under 500 older people. It provides details of the accommodation and services provided, which include extra care housing, a residential home and a nursing homes; provides a demographic analysis of Villagers; compares the mortality experience in Whiteley Village with that of the wider population in England and Wales; and analyses the longevity of Villagers compared with the wider population through a detailed examination of the life-spans of people that joined the Village in the decades from 1930 to 1980. The findings show that female Villagers have experienced an increase in life expectancy compared to the general female population. The result is even more striking, considering the lower financial means of Villagers, relative to the general population. Although there was no evidence to show that the male residents of Whiteley had increased longevity, there was evidence that the majority lived at least as long on average. The report concludes that it is possible to create a socially stimulating and safe environment in which older people can enjoy a longer retirement in peace and comfort than would have been be experienced by similar individuals in the general population. It also suggests that retirement villages, or similar environments, are capable of combating the negative effects on health and social well-being of low economic means and isolation. (Edited publisher abstract)
Inequalities in later life
- Authors:
- SCHARF Thomas, SHAW Caroline
- Publisher:
- Centre for Ageing Better
- Publication year:
- 2017
- Pagination:
- 127
- Place of publication:
- London
This report presents the results of an evidence review on the nature of inequalities in later life, with a focus on six key areas: subjective wellbeing; physical and mental health; life expectancy and healthy life expectancy; financial security; social connections; and home and living environment. The review was carried out by researchers at the Institute of Health and Society and Institute for Ageing at Newcastle University and the International Longevity Centre-UK (ILC-UK) and includes published research from 2006 to 2016. For each outcome, inequalities were considered in relation to: gender, race, age, disability, sexual orientation and religion or beliefs, socioeconomic status, place of residence, and status as an informal carer. The results show that inequalities for older people are largely a product of poverty and disadvantage throughout life. Poor education and work opportunities and lack of social connection can have long term consequences. The review also found that older women are more vulnerable to financial difficulties than older men, with both their employment history and family circumstances impacting on pension income and ability to save. People from BAME backgrounds and some from LGBT are also disproportionately disadvantaged. In analysing the strength of the available evidence, the review also identified the need for more research relating to the inequalities in later life experienced by Black and minority ethnic groups, LGBT groups and people with disabilities. (Edited publisher abstract)