Don’t isolate all over-60s

OLDER people, like other groups in society, are not homogeneous. There are very poorly 60-year olds and very active 90-year olds.

It would therefore be wrong of the Government to propose a ‘blanket’ isolation strategy based only on age. Decisions based on age alone should be no more acceptable than for any other characteristic such as gender, race and religion.

Over one million older people in the UK already live in isolation and loneliness. The physical, emotional and mental health of anyone, no matter what age, is affected by being lonely and cut off from other human contact. Those who volunteer their time and have an active daily life – as many older people do and have – not only contribute to the economy, but also enjoy better health and well-being than those who either do not or cannot. This applies whether you are 28 or 88.

The spread of the virus has shown that age alone is not a factor in risk. Therefore, the Government must work on different criteria for isolation based on other data rather than just isolating anyone over a certain age. There is a grave danger that isolation becomes the ‘norm’ for older people and that serves no useful purpose. Older people are the glue that keep families and communities together.

Charities say that without older people volunteering they could not operate effectively. There are a variety of activities older people undertake, from childcare for family workers, as well as supporting a huge array of social amenities like cinemas, art classes and more. Getting those who are in good health back into playing their role in society is as important to our national wellbeing and economy as it is for any other age group.

The narrative around older people must change and we look to those with power to begin that change. Older people should be respected for the life they have led, the contribution they have made, and the important one they are making to our country.