Issues for older people in rural Norfolk

Eamon McGrath

Community Development Manager

Age UK Norfolk

Introduction

All issues are relevant but do not apply to all the older people or all of the time.

Great crossover with needs in urban areas, rurality just intensifies them.

Immediate issues

• transport

• access to services

• social isolation/lack of social opportunities

• additional costs

• lack of paid care staff

• appropriate housing

Future Issues

Demography will exacerbate some of the problems.

Population estimates for people over 60

2006 198,156

2026 303,440

>53% increase

Future Issues 2

Public Spending cuts ££££

Inevitably going to impact on all but older peoples services are already stretched.

Increased cost of delivering care in the rural areas.

Not all bad news

Older people are net contributors to community life.

• Volunteers

• Role of grandparents in supporting families

• Older people tend to support local economy.

Contact information

Age UK Norfolk

300 St Faiths Road, Old Catton, Norwich, NR6 7BJ

Tel 01603 787111

www.acnorfolk.org.uk

acn@acnorfolk.org.uk