Fears for ‘the stiff upper lip’ pensioners

MILLIONS of pensioners are worried about the toll of the crisis on their mental health.

Vulnerable elderly people are in their ninth week of lockdown cut off from family and friends while others are confined to care homes ridden with Covid-19.

Now research highlights the impact on the mental health and wellbeing of Britain’s older generation.

Around 2.9million say mental health has been hit by the lockdown and 3.3million have had access to essential items such as groceries and medication curtailed or delayed, said an Age UK study.

Director Caroline Abrahams said: “Lockdown brought sudden changes leaving many feeling low, worried or having problems sleeping.

“We all miss being outside with other people and seeing friends and family.

“Many are missing life events, seeing and hugging grandchildren, meeting new additions to families, going to weddings and gatherings. Even basic things like getting online to order food and products can present a challenge. All of this can affect mental health.”

Experts fear pensioners adopt a “stiff upper lip” and try to deal with depression or loneliness by themselves rather than ask for help.

Another report, published as part of Mental Health Awareness Week this week, found older people with depression are eight times less likely to be referred to mental health services than younger people.

Just six per cent of older people with depression are being referred to mental health services compared to half of younger people, said SunLife.