New Research Uncovers Over 55s Taking A Gamble With Care In Older Years
· Almost half of over 55s have never even thought about their care options for later life
· 62% have not discussed their options with the person they most trust to make a decision for them
· Over 1 in 5 over 55s (22%) would put off taking action on their care – even at the point it’s most needed
· More over 55s would ask for a divorce than review their care options
New research commissioned by older people’s charity, Anchor, has revealed the true extent of the nation’s denial about ageing. Only half of Britain’s over 55 population have thought about care options for later life, with nearly one in ten (8%) believing they are too young to think about the subject and one in five (20%) simply saying they don’t want to think about the possibility of needing care.
The study also asked people who they would trust to make a decision on their behalf about care in later life, with most over 55s putting their trust in their children (58%) or a partner (54%). Worryingly though, nearly two thirds of over 55s (62%) who would trust someone else to make care decisions for them, haven’t talked about their care options with that person.
The research reveals we are a nation of procrastinators, with one in five over 55s (22%) saying they would put off taking action to address their care options, even at the point it’s most needed. In fact more over 55s would ask for a divorce than review their care options.
Fear of losing control seems to be the main concern with over half of the age group citing losing their independence as a worry (54%). Fears about being able to afford it (39%) also feature highly.
Research shows that one in three women and one in four men will need care at some point in their life¹, so to address these issues head on and encourage people to have a conversation about their care and retirement options, Anchor is launching the Grey Matters campaign (www.Anchor.org.uk/GreyMatters) backed by top behavioural psychologist, Jo Hemmings.
Jo Hemmings, independent behavioural psychologist, said:
“As a nation we’re taking a gamble as we get older. Too many people are putting off thinking about their retirement living and care options, and we’re not having conversations with the people we most trust to make decisions for us.
“In my experience, families can be afraid to talk about later life because they are concerned about ‘worrying their children’. They worry that talking about a situation makes it immediate and ‘real’, but the emotional benefits of talking far outweigh the alternatives.
“It’s much easier to talk about life changing decisions when you’re not faced with an immediate crisis – and talking earlier means you are more likely to get what you want in the long run. It’s time to think about it, talk about and plan for it now.”
Jo Hemmings has worked with Anchor to co-author a guide to planning for your care and retirement living, which includes tips on having a conversation with your family. The guide is available to download at www.Anchor.org.uk/GreyMatters
Jane Ashcroft CBE, Chief Executive of Anchor, said:
“Older age should be a time for celebration and enjoying the fruits of your labour, but people are missing out because they aren’t thinking early enough about how they want to live in later life.
“It’s worth exploring the full range of retirement options, from retirement villages to leasehold or sheltered housing, where you can live independently and have care options should you need them.
“It’s never too early to talk to your loved ones about the future, and work out what’s right for you. It’s only by planning that your retirement dreams will become reality.”
Anchor has brought together a range of resources to help people look at and think about their options at www.Anchor.org.uk/GreyMatters
