1.7 million single older men could be living in isolation in the UK. Nearly 400,000 of these are single older men aged 75 and over. ; Furthermore it is estimated that 289,000 single older men are living in poverty.
Older men’s lack of social links and contacts makes them even more vulnerable to isolation in old age than women. And tragically many of these men will be left alone this Christmas with little contact from relatives, friends and neighbours.
Women on the other hand tend to have good links with family and friends and are more likely to posses the skills to integrate themselves fully into society than men. For instance women are more likely than men to be members of their church or a gym.
Many older men also lack, or never have learnt, practical skills such as shopping or cooking and may find themselves at a loss if they have a partner or parent who dies before them. The support is not in place that would help them remain living in the community, should they become disabled.
This is particularly telling for white, black and mixed-race older men who are more likely to suffer social isolation than Asian and Chinese men who tend to have better social networks through their cultural traditions.
Gordon Lishman, Age Concern’s Director General said: “Older men are fast becoming the forgotten members of our society. They often experience terrible loneliness in old age but are afraid to speak out as pride gets in the way. Bereavement, illness and disability all add to older men being socially isolated.”
“More has to be done and in particular there is a definite need for existing services to be aimed directly at older men to tackle issues such as financial security, affordable transport and opportunities for employment.”
Age Concern is calling on local authorities to make sure that their services target and involve older men to help prevent isolation and give older men the skills they need to integrate themselves fully in society.
For further information and specific Age Concern projects for older men please call the Age Concern Information line on 0800 00 99 66.
Media Contact: Grant Imlach/Zena Ambrose
Telephone: 0208 765 7513/7516
Out of Hours: 07071 243 243
source: ageconcern.org.uk
