Your Later Life - Q4 2021

A Mediaplanet campaign focused on

Your Later Life

Janet Ellis, Marie Curie Ambassador, shares her experiences of coping with a bereavement in later life and how talking helped her come to terms with the death of her husband.

Read more online at yourlaterlife.co.uk Image provided by Marie Curie

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Brightening the festive season for older people experiencing loneliness.

ONLINE

~Caroline Abrahams Charity Director, Age UK

Q4 2021 | A promotional supplement distributed on behalf of Mediaplanet, which takes sole responsibility for its content

The digital age gives greater potential for joining up care and health services. ~Daniel Casson Digital Adviser, Care England

Read more at www.yourlaterlife.co.uk

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IN THIS ISSUE @Yourlaterlife

Are your relatives staying healthy this winter?

Top five things to know about pensions.

~Dr Jennifer Burns President, British Geriatrics Society

~Nigel Peaple Director Policy and Advocacy, PLSA

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Senior Project Manager: Alice Golding alice.golding@mediaplanet.com Business Development Manager: Josie Mason Managing Director: Alex Williams Head of Business Development: Ellie McGregor Head of Production: Kirsty Elliott Designer: Thomas Kent Design & Content Assistant: Aimee Rayment Digital Manager: Harvey O’Donnell Paid Media Manager: Jonni Asfaha Social & Web Editor: Henry Phillips Digital Assistant: Carolina Galbraith Duarte All images supplied by Gettyimages, unless otherwise specified

Brightening the festive season for older people experiencing loneliness

Ensuring digital technology is accessible for all generations Human contact, love and close relationships are important for everyone, no matter their age or physical abilities.

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here is a growing concern that smartphones and social media have largely moved social networks from analogue to digital platforms, often leaving the technologically inexperienced and elderly behind.

No one should be made to feel stupid, dependent on others, or excluded from the internet, yet 46% of people 75 and over in the UK are not online (ONS, 2021). Age UK reports that 1.4 million older people in the UK are often lonely, with the number potentially much higher.

Age UK reports that 1.4 million older people in the UK are often lonely, with the number potentially much higher.

Addressing the digital divide Most digital technology is simply not accessible to older users, due to many reasons such as memory loss, reduced circulation in fingertips and auditory impairments.

The digital divide has never mattered more.

Paid for by No Isolation

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We all have an experience of helping our older relatives use tech and then realising how difficult it can be.

At No Isolation, we want to empower everyone to have meaningful digital connections when their situation prevents them from connecting in person. Our recent research estimates as many as 5.6 million people over the age of 65 in the UK find touchscreens difficult or impossible to use (Source: No Isolation, 2021).

Simplifying existing technology – such as smartphones and tablets – is not the answer to truly inclusive design.

One solution is Komp, which is operated using only one button but enables those who have been digitally excluded to engage in video calls and content sharing with their loved ones.

Read the Digital Exclusion report: noisolation.com/research/ digital-exclusion-report

Harriet Gridley UK Director, No Isolation

While Christmas for most of us is something to look forward to, it is not always the case for our elderly generation, but together we can change this.

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f you are on your own, as many older people are, Christmas can seem like ‘just another day’, but if you are lonely, the special nature of the festive season can actually be quite painful, reinforcing a sense of missing out. Our research has found that among the over 65s, almost 1.5 million people (12%) say that they often feel more lonely at Christmas than at any other time of year.

Being lonely in later life As we age, we accumulate years of life experience, lots of it positive but some quite difficult and sad. As the years go by, you may well find you are going to rather more funerals than weddings.

In addition, the pandemic has resulted in more loss and fewer opportunities to mourn together than usual.

At a time of year when almost everything closes down, Age UK’s advice line stays open, even on Christmas Day. Last year it was a lifeline for more than 30,000 older people who phoned over the Christmas period. This year we expect to be busier than ever due to calls from older people with no one else to turn to.

Ways you can help There are plenty of simple things we can all to do to help the older people around us to feel supported over the festive season, such as: • Sharing time together over coffee or lunch.

• Sending a homemade card or gift.

• Being a good neighbour e.g. by offering to collect shopping, which is especially appreciated in bad weather.

• Sharing the Age UK and The Silver Line helpline numbers for practical information, advice or a cheerful chat, day or night.

Together we can all help make Christmas a little brighter for older people.

To donate please visit: ageuk.org.uk/brighterchristmas This will help the Charity to answer more calls and continue to provide our ‘friendship calls’ to lonely older people who may not hear from anyone else at all over Christmas.

Caroline Abrahams Charity Director, Age UK

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we need your woolpower Knit or crochet us a little hat (or three). We’ll pop it onto one of our smoothie bottles, and give 25p to Age UK for each behatted bottle sold. You can find a whole load of patterns of all shapes and sizes at www.bigknit.co.uk

6 good reasons to knit or crochet us some tiny hats: 1. They’re adorable 2. Good way to use up all your spare bits of wool 3. They raise money for Age UK 4. Something to do while you’re watching Corrie 5. They can be any colour, pattern or animal you like 6. They raise money for Age UK (so important we wrote it twice)

Please send any hats you make to: The innocent Big Knit Fruit Towers 342 Ladbroke Grove London W10 5BU

Age UK is a registered charity (1128267)

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Are your older relatives staying healthy this winter?

The COVID pandemic has been devastating for older people, but there are ways they can look after themselves this winter.

T Dr Jennifer Burns President, British Geriatrics Society

he COVID-19 pandemic has particularly impacted older people, with the majority of COVID cases and deaths, particularly in the early waves, occurring in those aged over 65. The impact of the pandemic, however, goes beyond infections and deaths. Lockdown will have had a detrimental effect on both the physical and mental health of many older people.

Staying healthy this winter As winter approaches and the pandemic rumbles on, there are steps that older people can take to remain healthy. Firstly, stay as active as possible. Everyone has different levels of physical activity that they are able to undertake.

We encourage all older people to stay as mobile as they can.

All older people who received their second COVID vaccine more than six months ago are now eligible for a booster shot and GPs and pharmacies are now also offering flu vaccines which are free for everyone over the age of 50. Vaccines offer the best protection against COVID and flu. We encourage everyone to come forward for their vaccine.

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Mental and emotional health are just as important as physical health and it’s vital that older people try to remain connected with family and friends, whether that’s in person, online or through telephone or postal contact.

We also encourage younger people to ensure that they are checking in with older friends and family members and providing support, especially during the winter months when it can be harder to get out.

The NHS is still there Headlines are constantly full of stories of the NHS being overwhelmed and it is true that the NHS is under extreme pressure. However, it is important to remember that the NHS is still open and there to serve the public. GP surgeries are open and are offering face-toface appointments as well as virtual or phone appointments.

We urge anyone concerned about any aspect of their health this winter to seek help as soon as possible to ensure they get the treatment they need, before any problems become worse.

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Support is available to help with swallowing difficulties Let your doctor or pharmacist know if you are having difficulties swallowing tablets as many common medicines are now available in alternative forms.

WRITTEN BY Tony Greenway

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f you’re having trouble swallowing tablets and capsules, you’re not alone.

Unfortunately, as we age, our bodies change and it becomes harder to perform certain functions.

Difficulty swallowing — otherwise known as dysphagia — isn’t solely associated with ageing and can be due to several conditions and causes. These include stroke, dementia, head and neck cancer or even a phobia of swallowing medication.

Breaking stigma around geriatric health Worryingly, some people will not take their medicines if they have difficulty swallowing them. Many people over 60 have struggled to take solid medicines at some time.

This can ultimately have a negative impact on their health, causing concern for the patient, their loved ones and carers. We need to break the stigma around talking about geriatric health, you are just as important as anyone else. This is a cause Rosemont Pharmaceuticals champion as an organisation.

Seeking advice and support Don’t be embarrassed to have a conversation with your GP or local pharmacist about any difficulties you may face because they may be able to help.

For example, pharmacists want to do more to help patients and are increasing the clinical services they offer for their local communities.

They often run national awareness campaigns, such as ‘Ask Your Pharmacist Week’, to encourage more people to use their pharmacies as a first port of call.

It is important that you take your medications correctly, as instructed by your GP or pharmacist, so they work effectively. Many people are unaware that a lot of common medicines are now available in alternative formats such as liquids, dispersible forms and mini tablets.

Paid for by Rosemont Pharmaceuticals

DTM347 November 2021

Rosemont have over 50 years’ experience in supporting patients with swallowing difficulties and the healthcare professionals who care for them. rosemontpharma.com

Give a little love Leave a lasting legacy By leaving just 1% of your total worth to Epilepsy Society in your will, you can help fund valuable scientific research to help us treat and beat epilepsy.

Everyone has different levels of physical activity that they are able to undertake. We encourage all older people to stay as mobile as they can.

To receive your legacy pack email legacy@epilepsysociety.org.uk or visit epilepsysociety.org.uk/loveliveson Chesham Lane, Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire, SL9 0RJ Registered charity number 206186

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We all have a responsibility to leave the world in a better state than we found it. Gifts in Wills are a crucial way to do just that.

A great way to support charities as we recover from the pandemic As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, the services that charities provide are in high demand.

Leaving them a gift in your Will is a way to ensure that their important work can continue.

O Rob Cope Director, Remember a Charity WRITTEN BY: Tony Greenway

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ver the course of the pandemic, more of us have come to realise the central role that charities play in society.

Now, as the nation starts to recover from COVID-19, the services charities provide remain in high demand.

So, thank goodness for those people who left a gift to a charity (or charities) in their Will.

“We need to say a huge ‘thank you’ to those families whose loved ones left a gift in their Will,” says Rob Cope, Director of Remember A Charity, a coalition of charities set up to encourage legacy giving. “If it wasn’t for their donations, a lot of services that many of us have come to rely on simply wouldn’t have been available.

Charities have struggled more than ever through the

YOURLATERLIFE.CO.UK

pandemic. Gifts in Wills have made a massive difference and ensured that support has been available to people who need it during this particularly difficult period.”

Age UK reports that 1.4 million older people in the UK are often lonely, with the number potentially much higher.

A great way to show your gratitude to a cherished charity Even small gifts left in Wills can make a big difference, notes Cope. It’s quick and easy to do, and it’s a great way to show your thanks to a charity, particularly if it has helped you in some way during your lifetime.

Cope believes that we need to think differently about supporting charities in this way, because leaving a gift in our Will doesn’t mean that our own family will somehow miss out. It is not an either/or situation.

“Charities are inextricably woven into all our lives,” he says. “So, supporting them and supporting our families are not mutually exclusive.

In fact, people who leave a gift to a charity are helping their own family and the generations to come. We all have a responsibility to leave the world in a better state than we found it. Gifts in Wills are a crucial way to do just that.”

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I see many young people who need a chance in life. That’s why I’m leaving a gift in my Will.

Julie Brown, Prince’s Trust Volunteer

Will you help cure the deadliest common cancer?

More than half of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer die within 3 months.

We need more investment in ground-breaking research to save more lives. Will you help?

Leave a gift in your Will to Pancreatic Cancer UK and transform the future for everyone affected.

For more information:

legacies@pancreaticcancer.org.uk 0203 757 5409 pancreaticcancer.org.uk/legacy Registered charity number 1112708 (England and Wales), and SC046392 (Scotland)

Would you like to give the next generation a helping hand to succeed? Many of our supporters already have by leaving gifts in their Will to The Prince’s Trust. So why not ask for our FREE Legacy Pack which explains just how easy it is to do.

Then, having taken care of those closest to you, you can help to transform the lives of young people in the UK. For a FREE Legacy Pack return this form in the post, call 020 7543 1384, email giftinwill@princes-trust.org.uk or visit princes-trust.org.uk/giftinwill

Name: Address and postcode:

Send us your details in a plain envelope addressed to: Freepost PRINCES TRUST. No stamp is required.

We may also contact you by post from time to time. If you do not wish to receive post from us, please tick here: We promise not to share your details with anyone else for marketing purposes and you can stopreceiving communications at any time. To change the way we contact you call us on 020 7543 1384or email hello@princes-trust.org.uk. To understand how we will store and use your details please see our privacy policy at princes-trust.org.uk/privacy DSN 4362-3 © The Prince’s Trust 2021 – all rights reserved. The Prince’s Trust is a registered charity, incorporated by Royal Charter in England. Registered number RC000772. Registered office: The Prince’s Trust, The Prince’s Trust South London Centre, 8 Glade Path, London, SE1 8EG. Registered charity number in England and Wales: 1079675 and Scotland: SC041198.

Will you become a guardian for the next generation?

Leave a gift in your Will to the NSPCC and you can still be there for children for many years to come. You can leave the reassuring voice of a Childline counsellor, for a child who needs protecting. A comforting moment, when a child is listened to and believed for the first time. Or a safe place for children and families to recover from abuse.

Find out more. Request your FREE Will guide by searching ‘NSPCC guardians’ today.

©NSPCC 2021. Registered charity England and Wales 216401. Scotland SC037717 and Jersey 384. Photo by Tom Hull. People pictured are models.

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Learning to cope with life after death

Paid for by XXXX

Janet Ellis shares her experiences of coping with a bereavement in later life and how talking helped her come to terms with the death of her husband.

M Janet Ellis Marie Curie Ambassador

y husband, John, died of stage four secondary lung cancer in July 2020.

After John’s diagnosis, we had another two and half years together. We didn’t investigate the prognosis and I think I’m relieved I didn’t know it could have been less time. Otherwise, every time he’d so much as stubbed his toe I might have thought: could this be this it?!

Having difficult conversations We had 35 years of conversations, including the sort of important conversations you probably don’t know you’re having.

There’s nothing I wish I’d asked him and it was important and we knew what mattered most to each other.

Obviously, we had to discuss him being in hospital and his care afterwards, which are probably not conversations you imagine having. But that doesn’t mean they’re impossible to have.

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I’ve gradually built a network of people who support me in all sorts of ways could help with particular things, including my lovely children, of course.

Building support networks When John died there was an extraordinary, sudden and complete absence. I was not in any way prepared for how that would feel. I would take my dog for a walk every day and ask different people to walk with me every day.

Anyone who asked how they could help was invited along.

They all listened to me trying to make sense of it all - I’ve always found talking about how I’m feeling necessary and therapeutic. Side by side conversations can be both very freeing and very

intimate. Of course, there are lovely distractions along the way too.

I’ve gradually built a network of people who support me in all sorts of ways could help with particular things, including my lovely children, of course. I think you discover quickly who can help put you back together and its not always the people you’d expect.

For me, it was all about talking at first. It helped and still does.

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