Impact of Covid-19 on older people's mental and physical health: one year on
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Impact of Covid-19 on
older people’s mental and
physical health: one year on
Age UK is a registered charity (number 1128267) and a company limited by guarantee (number 6825798).
The registered address is Tavis House, 1–6 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9NA. ID204712 06/21.
1Contents
1. Introduction 1
2. Who have we spoken to? 4
3. Physical Health 5
4. Mental Health 10
5. Loneliness and isolation 17
6. Loss, bereavement & grief 18
7. Health Inequalities 21
8. Unpaid carers 24
21. Introduction
This report explores the impact of the pandemic on older people’s
physical and mental health eleven months after Covid-19 arrived and
turned all our lives upside down. We might have hoped never to have
to write it, had the pandemic gone away as quickly as had originally
been hoped. As it is, this report is the second in a series we have
written about the pandemic’s effects and is based on research from
February 2021.
Our first report was published in October It is important to remember that many
2020 and drew on analysis carried out older people were already dealing
that summer, after the first wave of the with significant health challenges
virus had peaked and with some of the before Covid-19 was ever heard of.
restrictions by then lifted. It concluded that Unfortunately, the pandemic appears to
while some older people had developed have exacerbated some as well as bringing
strategies to cope during the pandemic, a forward the emergence of others. It is
significant proportion experienced a heavy telling, for example, to hear of older people
toll on their physical and mental health as who had successfully managed mental
they stayed at home to try to keep safe. health problems for many years suddenly
We heard a huge range of experiences, finding themselves overwhelmed by them
with loneliness, lack of opportunity to while under the additional stress of the
grieve following bereavement, loss of pandemic.
confidence, and physical deconditioning
increasing the risk of falls just some of the This report shines a clearer light than
problems older people and their families our first one on how the pandemic has
told us about back then. impacted older people differentially
according to the degree of inequality they
In that first report we asked, “with winter are experiencing. It shows that like their
fast approaching, how are these older younger counterparts, older people from
people feeling now, and how much worse ethnic minorities have been hit harder in
will they feel in two- or three-months’ various ways, as have older people who
time as the weather gets colder and the are living on low incomes. Tackling health
nights draw in.” This new report provides inequalities is quite rightly high on the
the answer and sadly makes for difficult NHS’s agenda as we look to the future:
reading. this report provides the strongest possible
evidence as to why this must be an all-
In many ways this is unsurprising: we are age agenda that is fully inclusive of older
all experiencing the impact of ongoing people too.
disruption to our daily routines and
uncertainty about the future. Regardless Our findings are also a call to action
of age, many of us will have found last to help all older people to sustain their
winter hard to navigate, but the value of current state of health and hopefully
this report is that it documents the specific improve it now, whatever else the
issues and concerns for older people at pandemic may throw at us later.
that time.
Caroline Abrahams,
Charity Director, Age UK
32. Who have we spoken to?
Since the start of the pandemic, we have consulted with older people,
their friends, partners, and families, to understand how their mental
and physical health has been impacted. This report is the second in
a series and seeks to explore how older people’s experiences have
changed since we first conducted research in Summer 2020i. The
report is based on the following research:
• Representative online polling with friends, partners, relatives, or carers
1,487 people aged 60+ across the of an older person. Over 70% of older
UK, conducted by Kantar Polling in people who responded were aged
February 20211. Of the people polled, 70 or above and more than 60% of
40% were living with a long-term respondents reported living with at
health condition, 17% had been least one long-term health condition.
advised that they were clinically
extremely vulnerable to Covid-19, • In-depth qualitative research
and 14% reported that they are an conducted by Britain Thinks in March
informal carer. 2021 with people aged 60+ from less
well heard communities, including
1. An online survey shared across our older people who are digitally and
social media channels and with Age socially excluded and older people
UK Campaigners in February 2021. from ethnic minority communities. This
The survey was completed by 14,840 included older people who are South
people. Over 13,000 of respondents Asian, Black Caribbean, Black African,
were older people, while the rest were and White European.
1. Research Express provides quick, reliable market research. Research Express is part of
Kantar UK Ltd. The survey was conducted on the Research Express Online Omnibus
amongst 1450 UK adults aged 60+ from 28th January – 11th February 2021.
43. Physical Health
The Covid-19 pandemic has made it harder for older people to
look after their physical health. Not only have they had reduced
opportunities to be physically active, but a significant number have
also experienced delays in accessing healthcare and treatment. As a
result, older people have told us they have ‘aged’, lost independence,
and have a reduced ability to do the things they used to enjoy.
A. Mobility and fitness
While some older people have used serious impact on mobility, movement,
the pandemic as an opportunity to do and fitness. A significant number of
more exercise, others have struggled to older people have told us that they
remain active. Successive lockdowns and feel slower, have become stiff, and are
on-going social distancing measures, experiencing new aches and pains. Many
including the closure of community and have gained weight and are becoming
leisure facilities, has severely disrupted the easily breathless, with some older people
support networks and routines that many now struggling to walk short distances or
older people relied on to keep themselves becoming reliant on walking aids.
as fit and well as possible. This has had a
• 27% of older people (around 4.3 • 28% of older people (around 4.5
million) can’t walk as far since the million) disagree that they have been
start of the pandemic. able to keep fit since the start of
the pandemic.
• 37% of older people (nearly 6
million) have less energy since the
start of the pandemic.
“I could walk for short periods, “We used to walk my dog around
perhaps ten minutes on a good day, a field everyday together but since
now I struggle to get from room to lockdown mum has stayed in the
room.” house. I have noticed now that she is
“Confinement to house (shielding) shuffling when she walks rather than
has had an impact on my physical taking proper steps.”
health. Lack of exercise especially
earlier in the year has had an impact
on how far I can walk now without
joint pain or breathlessness.”
5B. Balance and falls
Falls are one of the most common has had an impact on older people’s
causes of hospital admissions amongst balance. Older people told us that they feel
older people and can have serious less steady on their feet, are falling more
consequences. Unfortunately, reduced frequently, and have lost confidence to
activity over the course of the pandemic leave their homes for fear of falling.
• 17% of older people (around 2.7 million) agree they are less steady on their feet
since the start of the pandemic.
“I have become wobbly and have much more difficult. She has fallen
fallen several times hurting my ribs twice at home, which she has never
on two occasions and my thigh on done before.”
another occasion and I have hit my “Mobility was not perfect prior to
head on numerous occasions. The the lockdown but lack of activity
pain in my wrists and thumbs has has meant muscle wastage in
become worse.” the legs resulting in three falls
“As she has not left the house or recently, on two of the occasions
garden since March, her mobility is being hospitalised.”
C. Reduced ability to do day-to-day activities
Our research suggests that older people on their ability to look after themselves,
have experienced a significant degree making everyday tasks much more
of deconditioning, with people reporting difficult in some circumstances. For those
reduced muscle strength and poorer that were already struggling before the
cardio-vascular health. This has impacted pandemic, life has become harder still.
• 42% of older people (around 1.2 this is even harder since the start of
million) who already found it difficult the pandemic.
to get up and down the stairs report
that this is even harder since the • 47% of older people (nearly 1
start of the pandemic. million) who previously found it hard
to clean or tidy their house find this
• 36% of older people (around half a even harder to do since the start of
million) who previously found it hard the pandemic.
to shower, wash, or have a bath say
6Meanwhile, some older people are • 8% of older people (nearly 1.3
experiencing a loss of independence for million) who were previously able to
the first time. clean their house now find it difficult.
• 10% of older people (around 1.6 • 12% of older people (around
million) who were previously able to 1.9 million) have become less
get up and down the stairs now find independent since the start of the
it difficult to do. pandemic.
D. Some older people are living in significant pain
Older people have told us that they are long-term conditions described having
in more pain than they were before ‘flare-ups’, often caused by the stress
the pandemic, with some experiencing of the pandemic or a reduced ability to
excruciating and debilitating pain daily. manage their condition, increasing the
Many older people attributed this to a pain they are experiencing. Regardless of
reduction in physical activity, which is the cause, amongst those older people
leading to stiffness, joint pain, and aches. affected increased pain is standing in the
Others have had elective surgery delayed, way of them taking part in the activities
such as hip and knee replacements, which they enjoy and getting pleasure out of
has had a huge impact on their quality of their lives.
life. Meanwhile, older people living with
• 25% of all older people (around 4 • 45% of older people living with a
million) are living with more physical long-term health condition (around
pain since the start of the pandemic. 2.9 million) are living with more
physical pain since the start of
the pandemic.
7“My fibromyalgia is in “flare up” “My pain has got a lot worse, I do not
and has been since my brother get out and have put a lot of weight
went into hospital in August. After on. I am in my chair 24/7. Some days
his death it has been even worse. I I don’t eat as in too much pain to
hurt everywhere! It is like walking be able to get up and make a meal.
around with every muscle in my body Virtually only get up when I need to
cramping. I don’t know what I am go to the toilet.”
saying half the time, I am shaking so “I need knee surgery for
much I can’t hold things properly and osteoarthritis, this has been
my balance keeps going, I am sure I significantly delayed. My options
am going to have a bad fall.” for exercise are reduced which has
“I am in constant pain - and I led to me gaining weight, this in
mean pain, not ‘aches & pains’, turn worsens my condition. The pain
due to chronic osteoarthritis and affects sleep which is affecting my
osteoporosis. I have practically lost mental health.”
the use of my left arm, right wrist,
my spine, neck, legs and feet are very
swollen and painful.”
E. Older people are struggling to manage their
long-term conditions
Older people living with long-term The added stress of the pandemic has also
conditions, such as diabetes, arthritis, exacerbated some long-term conditions.
COPD, and Parkinson’s are finding it This has left older people experiencing
increasingly hard to manage their more severe symptoms, in worsening pain,
condition and keep their symptoms under or seeing their health condition progress
control. Activities which previously helped irreversibly.
them to cope with symptoms, such as
swimming or exercise classes, have not
been available, while routine appointments
have been limited or completely stopped.
• 18% of older people living with a • 21% of older people with a long-
long-term health condition (around term health condition (around
1.1 million) now find it harder to 1.3 million) agree they are less
look after themselves than at the independent than at the start of
start of the pandemic. the pandemic.
8“I used to swim every day which “I have fibromyalgia and lack of
helps dramatically with arthritis.... exercise along with stress has made
Am now crippled and need two new it far worse. My hair has begun to fall
knees. Don’t know how this helps the out through stress.”
NHS. Certainly doesn’t help me.” “Being in lockdown I have had
“My Parkinson’s Disease has very little exercise which in turn
progressed at an alarming rate. has resulted in higher glucose
I have been unable to access my readings when I have tested myself.
special Parkinson’s classes and My control is not as good as pre-
forego my special Parkinson’s lockdown and I worry about what
treatments. In all my well-being is effect it will have on my kidneys,
much worse and my mobility has eyes etc.”
suffered enormously which at 92 is
unlikely to return.”
F. Living with long Covid
We heard from older people who after has exacerbated their existing health
catching Covid-19 are continuing to problems. Unsurprisingly the stress of
experience symptoms, including fatigue, contracting Covid-19, combined with the
breathing difficulties, muscle aches, weight impact of enduring physical symptoms,
loss, and ‘brain fog’. On top of this, older is taking its toll on many older people,
people living with long-term conditions who described feeling depressed, low,
explained how contracting Covid-19 and angry.
“I had Covid last year and it’s left me walk small distances, daily self-
in pain so I can’t walk as much and care is a lot worse, and anger/mood
my asthma is worse.” problems now bad.”
“Having Covid-19 on top of “After a mild case of Covid
fibromyalgia, hypothyroidism, his Parkinson’s and dementia
arthritis and costochondritis has accelerated.”
made it all worse.” “He contracted Covid-19 and was
“Since catching Covid-19, they are taken into hospital. Since recovering
not the same person, health wise, as he has suffered lots of pain, brain
before. They now struggle to even fog, got very depressed.”
94. Mental Health
Older people continue to tell us that the pandemic has left them
feeling anxious, depressed, and fearful for the future. Some groups of
older people have been particularly hard hit, including carers, older
people who have been bereaved, and those who have been shielding.
Most notably in this round of research older people who felt they had
managed during the first wave of the pandemic have reported that
as time has passed, and the pandemic has gone on, they have started
to struggle.
A. Older people living with pre-existing mental
health conditions
Older people who were already living struggling to cope and many have had
with a mental health condition told us to increase their medication as a result.
that the pandemic has exacerbated their Some older people who had been able to
symptoms and robbed them of their manage their mental health condition for
usual coping strategies, such as socialising many years, or even decades, told us that
with friends and family, physical activity, the pandemic had triggered a relapse in
hobbies, and other activities that provided symptoms.
routine. We heard how older people were
“Suffered with depression for years “Return of my agoraphobia as to
but since last March it’s got worse keep it under control I need to get
and my meds have been increased out. The more I have stayed in during
once already!! Can’t socialise or lockdown, the more difficult I find
go out and meet friends. It’s so it to go out on my own for a short
depressing!! Feel trapped and walk.”
isolated, worried and scared about “Her OCD has returned after 30
Covid.” years of being okay. Plus, constant
“I began taking Citalopram following thoughts about starving herself
the death of my husband of 47 years. to death. Again, a return of a
At the start of the pandemic, I was problem that has been stable if not
reducing my medication with a view completely absent for years.”
to stopping it. I have had to increase
the dosage back up.”
10B. Increased anxiety
The pandemic is continuing to cause high about friends and family. For some the
levels of anxiety. Many older people told anxiety is all-encompassing and leading
us that fear of catching Covid-19 has to panic attacks, insomnia, and loss of
left them too afraid to leave their home, appetite. Many are struggling to control
even to sit in the garden or access health their anxiety and anticipate that even after
appointments. Others are experiencing lockdown has ended, they will not be able
anxiety related to delays in healthcare or to return to normality
treatment; financial concerns; or worries
• 36% of older people (around 5.8 million) told us that they feel more anxious
since the start of the pandemic.
““I am now unable to go out at all as “Recluse since 17th March 2020; I
I am petrified of Covid, so I have only have not gone out the door once and
been out for three hospital trips since I think I never will again. A corpse
last March.” will just be found here someday.”
“Not sleeping well, I feel like gagging “After almost 80 years on the planet,
and being sick when I have to go I have started having panic attacks.”
out.”
“I get panicky when l have to go out
in public, l have nightmares about
being out in a crowd and no-one is
wearing a mask.”
C. Low mood and depression
Many of the older people we surveyed told older people telling us they have stopped
us they feel depressed, have nothing to washing, getting dressed, or getting out of
look forward to in their lives, and have lost bed. In the most severe cases older people
enjoyment in the activities which used to told us they can longer see a point to living
give them pleasure. Low mood is leading and have become suicidal.
to a lack of motivation for some, with
• 43% of older people (around 6.9 million) feel less motivated do the things they
enjoy since the start of the pandemic.
11“I am now constantly depressed; I “I just really hate waking up every
often sit and weep and wonder how I day, don’t know how much more I
shall be able to carry on.” can take.”
“I have had suicidal thoughts and “Bad tempered, not wanting to get
get upset even watching most up on a morning, feeling extremely
films...I get about an hours sleep as down at not seeing friends and
I’m in a lot of pain and lately been family. Nothing to look forward to
having nightmares about ending my and feel like life is over.”
life. I woke the other day sweating ‘I am having to fight recurring bouts
and anxious after a bad nightmare. of depression caused by the feeling
Due to the suicidal thoughts I am of being contained with little future
seeking counselling, I am waiting for when I am of an age when I haven’t
someone to get back to me.” got much time left.’
D. Reduced resilience
Older people explained to us that they are have bothered them. Minor setbacks or
finding it hard to cope and feel as though problems appear impossible to deal with
everything is getting on top of them. and they feel they have lost the skills
Many told us that they find themselves needed to solve problems and make
crying, becoming angry, or panicked over decisions.
small issues, which previously would not
“Things are bothering me more. Feel “I lack concentration, tend to cry
I cannot cope if things go wrong.” easily and panic at the smallest
“I get very anxious and have burst problem. All these issues are new
into tears for no apparent reason, to me. I worked for 50 years in
sometimes in the middle of the pressurised environments and
night.” never became overwhelmed
whilst balancing work and family
“What was just a little trouble, say if commitments, I just got on with it. As
something goes wrong in the house, I did when caring for my terminally
is now a major worry. I panic.” ill husband.”
12E. Isolation and withdrawal
After a year of limited social contact with to friends and family. For these older
others, some older people report that they people, the idea of restrictions ending and
have become withdrawn and fear they having to spend time with others again
have lost the skills to socialise. The thought is daunting, and some question whether
of spending time with others has become they will be able to manage it.
scary, leading to people avoiding speaking
“It seems that I no longer have the “I’m getting used to being on my
ability to talk to people. I even find it own/ withdrawn and dread the
hard to talk on the telephone.” thought of company.”
“I have become more insulated “I have lost self-esteem and feel
from the world. I’m happy to talk to anxious about meeting people or
friends by email but I don’t answer joining in activities when it’s all
the phone if I can avoid it.” over.”
“As a result of socially distancing
and staying at home, I am now
reluctant to talk to people - I don’t
feel I have anything to say.”
F. Loss of confidence
The pandemic has transformed older such as going for walks, using public
people’s lives and prevented them from transport, or accessing health services.
doing normal, day-to-day tasks. As a Some say they have become more
result, older people have reported losing dependent on others and feel worried
confidence in their ability to take part in about how they will return to their previous
activities which were previously routine, lives once restrictions begin to be lifted.
• 64% of older people (around 10 the house by themselves since the
million) agree they are less confident start of the pandemic.
using public transport since the start
of the pandemic. • 37% of older people (almost 6
million) feel less confident going to
• 20% of older people (around 3.2 a GP surgery since the start of the
million) feel less confident going for pandemic.
short walks outside since the start of
the pandemic. • 54% of older people (around 8.7
million) feel less confident attending
• 18% of older people (around 2.9 a hospital appointment since the
million) feel less confident leaving start of the pandemic.
13“Covid has sapped both my sense of “Has lost her self-confidence and is
purpose and my confidence.” much more dependent on me to do
“Loss of confidence in being out on everyday tasks that she was capable
my own, doubting my abilities in of doing before lockdown.”
tasks that used to be conducted with
ease and mental ability.”
“She is frightened and has lost all
confidence about getting out and
about on her own.”
G. Self-care and neglect
Low mood and depression have resulted in their medication and health conditions.
some older people neglecting themselves. This is having serious implications for their
This ranges from no longer cleaning the physical health, with older people reporting
house or taking care of their appearance to fatigue and weight loss.
not getting dressed, eating, or managing
“It is a struggle to get out of bed a low carb diet and checked sugar
and I am not eating as I should. I am levels but now I eat anything and
fighting to stay sane.” don’t monitor levels.”
“Some days very down, don’t bother “She’s become withdrawn and shows
to get washed and dressed, what’s no interest in trying to entertain
the point.” herself. Just basically eats and sleeps
“Feeling isolated and lost the will to all day. This has led to constant
do anything, cooking, cleaning the constipation and bladder infections.
house, whatever, who cares it will be She wears incontinence pads but will
there long after I’m gone.” not change them regularly as it’s too
much of a chore.”
“I’ve eaten more and have lost some
control over my diabetes. I was on
14H. Unhealthy coping strategies
The pandemic has also led to some strategies, including comfort eating,
older people adopting unhealthy coping drinking to excess, and smoking more.
“They are very lonely as they cannot “Drinking too much and not looking
attend local clubs that they used after myself because my husband
to attend and because they have died of Covid and we had been
to stay in they are not seeing many together 40 years and it was just
people... This has led to drinking gone in an instance.”
alcohol which has led to falls and “I have COPD and smoke and I have
hospital stays.” smoked more since lockdown as I
“I am depressed, I’m eating too haven’t been able to go out much.”
much (boredom and that’s how
stress takes me), so have put on
weight, and drinking too much.”
I. Cognitive decline
Prolonged periods of isolation, reduced Friends and family of older people have
social contact, and limited mental also told us they have noticed a decline
stimulation has left older people feeling in their loved one’s cognitive ability. This
forgetful and confused. Older people includes noticing that they are repeating
told us that they are finding it hard to the same conversation, struggling to
remember names, to think of the right find the right words, or forgetting to do
words, and to concentrate on activities or vital day-to-day tasks such as taking
tasks. They report experiencing ‘brain fog’ medication or eating. For some older
and feeling that they aren’t as ‘mentally people, the decline in cognitive ability has
sharp’ or capable as they previously were. been sudden and significant.
• 22% of older people (around 3.2 million) find it harder to remember things since
the start of the pandemic.
“Memory loss, struggle to think of whether or not she has eaten, what
words and names....no stimulation... day it is and how to operate TV
no travelling, no meeting friends... remote, coffee machine, has to be
especially living on your own.” supervised to take meds.”
“Cannot remember which day of the “Her mood is extremely up and
week! Cannot remember words but down and most worrying is the huge
live by myself so no one to talk to.” deterioration in her memory - both
“Her memory is failing, she forgets short and longer term. This was not
really an issue before the pandemic.”
15J. Older people living with dementia.
Older people living with dementia We have also heard from friends and
have been severely impacted by the family how difficult it has been to explain
Covid-19 pandemic. Activities which Covid-19 restrictions to their loved ones
help to maintain cognitive function, and support them to understand why they
such as socialising with friends and are unable to see people. In particular,
family, attending support groups, and older people living in care homes with
putting in place a routine, have largely dementia have been unable to understand
been unavailable. This has resulted in why they aren’t receiving visitors and have
some older people experiencing much been left feeling unloved, forgotten and
quicker cognitive decline than expected, abandoned. Not only has this been deeply
with friends and family explaining how distressing for the older person but also
devastating it has been to witness their heart-breaking for the people who care
loved one’s deterioration. about them.
“Vascular dementia has got much into a care home where visits have
worse due to family being unable not been allowed for months -
to visit...Her nursing home noticed resulting in further decline.”
a significant change in less than 48 “He has dementia and at the start
hours.” of lockdown was able to converse,
“Dementia has progressed to the walk the estate, hold conversations,
point where she now cannot find dress and undress. Now cannot
her way around the house, and hold conversation, walks twenty
has wandered out without my yards with a walker, has carers in
knowledge, which involved the morning and evening. Has aggressive
police.” tendencies, medications have
“Her Alzheimer’s rapidly increased been added to his daily intake. He
because of zero support during the is difficult to understand, has to
first lockdown necessitating moving be prompted on everything from
drinking to eating.”
165. Loneliness and isolation
Restrictions on going out and meeting others has left vast numbers
of older people feeling lonely, isolated, and forgotten. Older people
told us they go days without seeing or speaking to anyone and feel
like prisoners in their own homes. Unsurprisingly this had a knock-
on effect on their mood, with older people telling us they feel down,
tearful, and doubtful that anybody cares about them.
“I cry every day for much of the day poorly and had to be put to sleep
due to the loneliness.” in March last year, the day before
“Feel like a prisoner and long for the first lockdown. I have had no
someone to eat with and talk to company since then, and aside from
face-to-face.” house removers and tradesmen, I
have not spent time with anyone at
“Being indoors for days at a time all.”
without seeing a living soul or not
talking to someone is absolutely “He is very lonely... he says it was
torture.” better during the war.”
“I live alone and am completely
isolated. My 20-year-old cat was
Older people have needed Age UK’s • Demand for Age UK’s Telephone
support more than ever: Friendship Service trebled
• At the beginning of the pandemic • Demand for The Silver Line Helpline,
demand for Age UK’s services which provides information,
soared: the Advice Line peaked at friendship and advice, increased by
almost double the usual number up to 31%
of calls
176. Loss, bereavement, and grief
A. Bereavement.
During the course of the Covid-19 with older people telling us that they were
pandemic, significant numbers of older unable to be with their loved one when
people have lost partners, relatives, and they died, say goodbye, or attend funerals.
friends. While losing someone is never After losing a loved one social distancing
easy, bereavement during this time has rules have also meant they have been
been particularly difficult, with many older unable to find comfort by surrounding
people losing their loved ones in sudden, themselves with friends and family.
unexpected, or traumatic ways. The This has left older people feeling guilty,
grieving process has also been disrupted, depressed, anxious, and lonely.
“I have lost three members of close “I lost my mum who I hadn’t
family. Could not go to funerals. been able to see in her care home
Especially devastated as my sister and I feel so guilty as she was so
died very suddenly. Could not see her distressed, and I firmly believe she
in her coffin or leave her Bible with gave up on life without her family.”
her. Still badly grieving.” “Feelings of isolation. Dealing with
“Lost my husband six months ago a bereavement while living alone
and feel like I am locked in a prison during the lockdown. Feelings of
with no one allowed in the house and loss and grief having lost the person
can’t go into anyone else’s homes… closest to me who died after four
Feel hopeless like there is no end weeks in hospital while I was unable
to it all. It’s like locked in and just to visit him and found it almost
waiting for the grim reaper to call impossible to reach him on the
as nothing else to make you positive phone.”
that the future will see things any
differently.”
18B. Coping with previous bereavement
Covid-19 restrictions have also made in place coping strategies to help manage
life harder for people who lost someone their grief and, in many cases, loneliness.
before the pandemic. Older people who Once these activities were stopped, older
were previously bereaved told us that they people were left reliving their grief and
had tried to rebuild their lives by putting painful experiences.
“Was widowed 18 months before “Since the death of my wife in June
pandemic started and suffered 2018, I was starting to come to
enormously from grief and loneliness terms at being on my own, but now
on losing my soul mate. I made with Covid restrictions…a phone or
a huge effort to join clubs and video call doesn’t do it for me.”
groups and was just starting to “I was widowed nearly 4.5 years
pick up socially and mentally when ago and suffered panic attacks, they
everything stopped. Now back to no had subsided to practically nothing.
stimulation and nowhere to go for But this latest lockdown I have been
company and conversation with my swamped, even waking up with
own age group.” them.”
“My wife died over two years ago,
and I still miss her. I was just
beginning to go out and take part in
new sporting activity when the virus
struck and restricted these social
events.”
19C. Lack of available bereavement support
Worryingly, we heard from older people looked for it. This has left them feeling
that bereavement support has not always even more isolated and alone.
been available for them when they have
“Lost my son 15 months ago, tried “He is struggling with loneliness,
for counselling however there is a bereavement, isolation. He was
long list due to Covid.” getting support from a Covid
“I lost my identical twin sister to bereavement worker at the hospital,
Covid, this impacted me terribly. I who made proactive contact after
had a couple of doctor calls, then his wife died - but she was on
nothing. My hospital occupational secondment for a year and her
therapist had a Zoom meeting with secondment ended abruptly after
me, she said she was writing to my only three months. That felt like
GP, asking that they contact me, as another loss for him...Nobody checks
she could see the state I was in! The to see if he’s OK except for me.”
call never happened!”
“Lost my Mum approximately three
months ago and still grieving over
her. Nobody to contact at surgery
and still feel very down, lonely and
isolated.”
207. Health Inequalities
A. Older people from lower social grades
Older people from lower social grades1 lockdown more bearable, such as a TV
have continued to be worse hit by the license or access to entertainment.
pandemic. In particular we have heard
how pre-existing long-term conditions, Older people from lower social grades
financial concerns, poor-quality housing were significantly more likely to report
and lack of access to outside space have both: that they had a long-term condition
exacerbated the mental and physical or were in poor health prior to the
impact of lockdown. Older people with pandemic; and that the pandemic had
limited finances also told us how they had a negative impact on their health and
could not afford extras to make life in ability to manage everyday tasks.
• 29% of older people from lower • 31% of people from lower social
social grades are living in more grades can’t walk as far since the
physical pain since the start of the start of the pandemic compared
pandemic compared to 20% of to 21% of those from higher social
those from higher social grades. grades.
• 25% of people from lower social • 47% of people from lower social
grades are finding it harder to grades feel less motivated to do the
remember things since the start of things they enjoy since the start of
the pandemic compared to 18% of the pandemic, compared with 38%
those from higher social grades. of those from higher social grades.
“I live alone and rely for pleasure “The environment in which I live is
on my TV and most of all the library not conducive to exercise. There’s
service. The library has been closed only so much moving around in a
since Feb/ March 2020 and books are cramped flat.”
too expensive to buy and now they “Have lost a bit of weight as only
have taken our TV licence off us.” able to afford to eat one meal a day.”
“I live alone and apart from a brief “Banned from going out so losing
visit from my daughter some days I mobility. Not eating and can’t afford
see or talk to no one. I cannot even any heating or lighting so health is
watch television now as I cannot deteriorating.”
afford the licence fee.”
1.
We asked respondents which group the chief income earner in their household belongs
to. If the chief income earner is retired and in receipt of an occupational pension,
respondents were asked to state what group they belonged to based on the income
earner’s previous occupation. When referring to higher social grades we mean grades
ABC1 and by lower social grades we mean grades C2DE.
21B. Older people from ethnic minorities
Evidence shows that older people November 2020 31% of black care home
from ethnic minorities have been resident’s deaths and 30% of Asian deaths
disproportionately impacted by the were attributed to Covid-19, compared
pandemic and are more likely to have to 23% of white care home resident’s
experienced the worst consequences of deathsiv. Increased death rate from
Covid-19. Covid-19 is likely to be the result of health
inequalities across the life course, with
Older people from ethnic minorities may older people from these communities
be more likely to catch Covid-19 for a more likely to be living with long-term
range of reasons. Older ethnic minority conditions, including obesity, diabetes and
pensioners are more likely than their white heart disease, which increase the chances
counterparts to have family who are in of the worst outcomes from Covid-19.
key worker roles, where the risk of contact
with people with Covid-19 is higherii. As part of this research, we undertook
They are also more likely to be living in a series of in-depth interviews with
multigenerational households where there older ethnic minority people, as well as
may be a greater risk of transmission. Less healthcare professionals and community
than 2% of white people aged 70+ live in group leaders working with a range of
multigenerational households, while 56% communities.
of Bangladeshi, 35% of Pakistani, 13%
of Indian, 11% of Black African and 6% The interviews suggested that older Black
of Black Caribbean people aged 70+ do. African and Black Caribbean people are
Public health information about keeping experiencing increased anxiety as a result
safe during the pandemic and reducing of the additional risks they may face if
risks has not always been easily accessible infected with Covid-19. The research also
to older people from ethnic minorities indicates that older people from these
if they do not have English as a first communities have been more likely to
languageiii. avoid or postpone accessing healthcare
over the course of the pandemic, for
Alongside greater exposure to Covid-19, fear of catching Covid-19 or as a result
we know that older people from ethnic of rumours that health services are not
minorities are at greater risk of becoming available.
severely ill or dying. In particular, older
people who are Pakistani, Bangladeshi, This reflects the findings of our polling
Black African, and Black Caribbean have where older ethnic minority people were
experienced higher mortality rates consistently more likely to tell us that
and worse health outcomes. This can they had lost confidence in doing routine
also be seen when looking at deaths in activities and accessing health services
care homes, where between April and since the start of the pandemic.
22• 27% of older people from ethnic • 55% of older ethnic minority
minorities feel less confident going peoplefeel less confident letting
for short walks outside since the professionals into their home (e.g.
start of the pandemic, compared carers, cleaners etc.) since the start
to 19% older people from a white of the pandemic, compared to
background. 45% of older people from a white
background.
• 26% of older ethnic minority
people feel less confident leaving
the house by themselves since the
start of the pandemic, compared
to 17% of older people from a
white background.
Older ethnic minority people also told they have not been able to visit during this
us about other factors that have made period. The move to remote services has
living through the pandemic harder. For also made life more challenging for older
example, we heard how difficult it has people who do not have English as a first
been for older people whose family live language and may have relied previously
in different parts of the world, and who on family or friends for translation.
“My eldest daughter lives in “My Gran cannot speak much English
Singapore. I have not seen her for so requires interpretation which
14 months. I think I may not see her the family used to provide on such
until 2022. It feels a long time and occasions but as per the government
she feels far away.” guidelines there was no visit allowed
“My family is overseas including when she was in hospital.”
my 91-year-old mother. I feel so
lonely sometimes and feel she may
die before I can see her again. It’s
been nearly 3 years since we were
together. I keep it to myself. I don’t
want to upset my husband or my
children.”
238. Unpaid carers
Over the course of the pandemic had. Some carers were also reluctant
older carers have seen their caring to allow paid professionals into their
responsibilities increase while the support home due to the risk of infection. Carers
which was previously available has been have also told us that the pandemic has
seriously diminished. Many of the usual prevented them from accessing informal
services carers relied upon to help them forms of support from families and friends,
with their caring role stopped or were not leaving many managing without any form
able to function in the way they previously of respite.
• 47% of older carers (around 1 million) told us that they were less confident
letting paid professionals into their home since the start of the pandemic
At the same time, many older carers Unsurprisingly this has taken its toll on
have seen the health of their loved older carer’s mental health with many
one deteriorate and faced the pressure telling us that they feel anxious, depressed
of keeping their loved one safe from and overwhelmed.
Covid-19, with many older carers looking
after someone who is clinically extremely
vulnerable to the virus.
“Loneliness, isolation and caring for “All [my wife’s] needs, health,
husband 24/7 single handed without physical and emotional have been
visitors for months on end has led to completely sublimated in looking
depression and feeling helpless and after me. She never gets a break,
hopeless.” and I am frequently irrational and
“My husband has been housebound irritable with her because I am so
for 7 years and uses a wheelchair. unhappy and frustrated.”
Outside of him the only person I see “I need respite from looking after my
week to week is the Asda delivery partner with dementia. Everything is
man... Some mornings I get up and shut down and the occasional phone
burst into tears... This is existing it is call asking if I’m okay (I’m not!) does
not living.” nothing practical to help.”
“I am exhausted and exasperated
providing full-time care for my
husband…. He has deteriorated
greatly in the past year so now
needs constant supervision to keep
him safe. I feel lonely and sad all
the time.”
24The increase in caring responsibilities has outside to exercise or attend their own
also forced many carers to deprioritise healthcare appointments. The demands
their own physical health. For example, we of caring have also taken their toll, with
have heard how carers have been unable older carers reporting that they have less
to leave their loved ones alone, meaning energy, are experiencing more pain, and
that they have not been unable to go do not have time to look after themselves.
• 49% of older carers (around 1.1 • 38% of older carers (nearly 860,000)
million) have less energy since the are in more physical pain since the
start of the pandemic. start of the pandemic.
• 35% of older carers (nearly 800,000)
cannot walk as far since the start of
the pandemic.
“Lack of exercise because I cannot and I am exhausted. My rheumatoid
leave my husband on his own. He arthritis is much more painful and
has both vascular dementia and my left foot and ankle have become
Alzheimer’s. This had advanced a agony all the time so severely
lot during lockdown.” limiting my mobility.”
“I am the sole 24/7 full time carer “I have more carer responsibilities
for my husband who has Alzheimer’s with the added difficulties of trying
and is incontinent. I have had no help to sort out hospital and GP problems.
in looking after my husband. I have I do not have the time or energy to
to get up at least twice every night look after myself properly.”
i. Age UK (2020), ‘The impact of Covid-19 on older people’s mental and physical health
to date’. Available at: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/globalassets/age-uk/documents/
reports-and-publications/reports-and-briefings/health--wellbeing/the-impact-of-
covid-19-on-older-people_age-uk.pdf
ii. ONS (2020), ‘Which occupations have the highest potential
exposure to the Coronavirus (Covid-19)?’. Available at:
https://www.ons.gov.uk/ employmentandlabourmarket/
peopleinwork/employmentandemployeetypes/articles/
hoccupationshavethehighestpotentialexposuretothecoronaviruscovid19/2020-05-11
iii. Race Equality Foundation (2021), ‘Collaboratives on addressing racial inequity in
Covid recovery’. Available at: https://raceequalityfoundation.org.uk/wp-content/
uploads/2020/06/collaboratives-briefinG-older-people-briefing-digital-FINAL.pdf
iv. Care Quality Commission (2020), ‘Covid-19 Insight: Issue 6, December 2020’.
Available at: https://www.cqc.org.uk/sites/default/files/20201214%20COVID%20
IV%20Insight%20number%206_FINAL.pdf
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