Report illuminates lives of over 85 age group

A report launched today aims to illuminate lives and health of the fourth generation, whose needs will change the parameters of public policy and family life. 

The Office for National Statistics estimates there are currently 1.5 million people in the UK over the age of 85, and by 2050 this will have grown to 5 million. Yet despite being the fastest growing demographic group in the UK, to date there has been a void of comprehensive information about them. 

The ‘Improving Later Life, Understanding the Oldest Old' report from Age Scotland partner Age UK brings together international expert opinion to identify the trends, challenges and opportunities presented by the diverse group of people who are defining a new frontier of human existence.

Importantly the report provides increasing evidence about the role of physical and mental activity across a lifetime in reducing frailty and poor health.  In particular, elements of the research presented in the report indicate that:

People in late old age report a self-deprecating sense of humour, optimism, adaptability and a feisty sense of independence have helped to define a successful ageing personality
Most 85 year olds have between three and six long-term conditions, yet the majority of 85 years olds rate their health and quality of life as good
There are significant health benefits of tailored exercise and physical activity in frail older people, leading to improvements in cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, balance, mood and cognitive function.
Research shows that older people who do not smoke, who are more physically fit and active, and who are generally healthier tend to have better thinking skills.
Social relationships are just as important as not smoking, exercising and having a healthy diet in maintaining physical and mental health and determining a longer life.  Loneliness can speed up cognitive decline and memory problems.  In particular, in the face of dementia, it is important for people to maintain friendships.

The report challenges traditional medical assumptions, and warns that medical research trials and the organisation of the NHS services are failing to meet the needs of older people, who are by far the greatest users of health services.

Key points include:

The oldest old are more diverse in health than their younger counterparts than previously thought.  In late old age, risk factors of disease (such as high cholesterol, low thyroid or hypertension) and markers of health are different when compared to those at young age. Accepted predicators of ill health can no longer be taken as accurate in relation to people in late old age.
Clinical trials are created largely for individual health conditions.  Most trials systematically exclude people over the age of 75 and patients with multiple health problems.  Such a dearth of research is resulting in medical practitioners being unable to draw on good quality research in managing patients with multiple health needs.  The consequences of multiple drug prescription (polypharmacy) account for 11 per cent of hospital admissions in old age.
Older people with multiple health needs are the main users of health care.  The dominant NHS model of clinics which treat single, rather than multiple health conditions needs to be challenged and changed to better meet the needs of these patients.
Treating health needs in isolation leads to patients having to attend multiple clinics that are often inconvenient, conflicting and crucially, misses key opportunities for health improvement.

Age UK's Charity Director General Michelle Mitchell said, "This growing generation of people over the age of 85 is now redefining the nature of old age.  These are people who are rich in experience, living through the Great Depression, the Second World War, the creation of the NHS and the social and civic transformation of the 1960s.

"It is unacceptable however, that this new fourth generation is mainly excluded from medical research trials and social research programmes.

"Above all this report finds that older people need to be cared about, not just cared for.  This means listening and responding to an individual's views and choices, so that an all-important sense of dignity and identity can be maintained throughout a person's life course.

"Age UK hopes the report will positively challenge policy makers, medical researchers, health and social care professionals to develop research programmes and tailored public services to support the new generation of the oldest old."

Download the report