Your Later Life - Q2 2020

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YOUR LATER LIFE Full campaign on www.yourlaterlife.co.uk

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Alison Steadman Celebrity Ambassador, Marie Curie “It helps to know Mum had the best possible care”

04 Helen Walker Chief Executive, Carers UK “There is no right or wrong way to deal with how you feel about this”

12 Rebecca Kennelly Director of Volunteering, Royal Voluntary Service “Helping to combat loneliness and isolation for people over 70”

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‘I still cry for my mum and dad’:

IN THIS ISSUE

Alison Steadman on grief and planning

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Award-winning actress, Alison Steadman, reveals how her mother’s death helped her prepare for her own end of life and how she plans to prepare her family for the future.

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Lizzy Holliday Head of DC, Master Trusts and Lifetime Savings, PLSA Five years since the freedoms were launched, debate about their suitability and effectiveness continues.

12 Charlie Bethel Chief Officer UK, Men’s Sheds Association Before COVID-19 there was a pandemic in the UK of loneliness and social isolation.

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Amy Matthews

Information and Support Manager, Marie Curie “The final gift to your family and to you.”

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Alison Steadman Celebrity Ambassador, Marie Curie

Written by: Sarah Holmes

still cry for my mum and dad all the time. Generally, I’m a happy and positive person, but sometimes grief just takes over.

Something will remind me; I’ll hear a piece of music or it’ll creep in if I’m feeling tired or a bit low. I’ll go: “I wish I could talk to you, I wish I could see you both.” My mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and she died quite a long time ago. It’s probably been 24 years since she died.

I remember taking her shopping one day. We came back, and I was tucking her into bed, and she said to me: “Do you think I’ll still be here

by Christmas?” This was the end of November. I said: “Of course you will, I’ve just bought you a new black skirt, a new jumper, a pair of slacks. Of course you’ll be here.” It was my way of not facing it.

Good care for your loved ones matters so much Mum never really talked about her own death. We never really had that conversation as a family. I suppose we were always so keen on keeping her alive and keeping her positive that we didn’t go down that path. Maybe we should have?

Although I still carry the grief, and it still makes me incredibly sad, it helps to know Mum had the best possible care at the Marie Curie hospice in Liverpool.

Shortly after we arrived there, a young male nurse came over and knelt down next to mum and said: “Now, Marj, you must be hungry. Can we tempt you with a boiled egg and toast or how about a lovely bowl of custard?”

I’ve never forgotten that, it really touched me because it was the kind of thing I would have done for my mum.

How I’m planning for the future That’s what makes this awful process so much more bearable. To have

Although I still carry the grief, and it still makes me incredibly sad, it helps to know Mum had the best possible care at the Marie Curie hospice in Liverpool. people you can trust. People you can talk to and to help you – it’s so important.

While I do think about my own death sometimes, I try not to dwell on it because I’m very privileged. I’m of an age, I’m still working, I’m still busy.

But you do need to be realistic, and you need to acknowledge that your turn will come.

I want to make it easier for my sons to sort things out when I go, so I’ve written a will. I’ve got a file that says ‘My Will’ on the front so there’s no confusion.

I have made a list of music I’d like played at my funeral. But I did that about 10 years ago, and I looked at it recently and I thought, ‘I’ve changed my mind now.’ So it’s an ever-evolving plan.

The Marie Curie Talkabout campaign aims to get people thinking, talking and planning for the end of life. There is a wealth of information on their website including conversations cards, checklists and advice. Visit mariecurie.org.uk/ talkabout.

If you, or someone you know, is affected by a terminal illness, dying, death or bereavement, then the Marie Curie Support Line team are ready to help seven days a week with practical information and emotional support when you need it, including a bereavement support service.

Call free 0800 090 2309 or visit: mariecurie.org.uk

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Mum never really talked about her own death. We never really had that conversation as a family. I suppose we were always so keen on keeping her alive and keeping her positive that we didn’t go down that path. Maybe we should have?” ~ Alison Steadman

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Dealing with bereavement and grief as a carer Everyone feels and reacts differently to becoming bereaved. There is no right or wrong way to deal with how you feel about this.

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We must keep older people at the forefront of our minds

Tetiana Soares

OVID-19 has meant that some carers are having to face the loss of the person they looked after, maybe under very difficult circumstances.

Grieving will feel very different right now, as carers are not able to reach out to others in the ways they usually would, and support services are not all operating as normal.

In the immediate aftermath of losing someone, there are usually many practical matters to deal with, from registering the death to organising the funeral. It can feel like your emotions are on hold.

It may help to break these tasks down, listing them in order of priority and ticking them off once completed.

Dealing with this virus is a marathon, not a sprint – especially for older people, who are going to need everybody’s help to keep their health in good shape and their spirits high.

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t has been heart-warming to see so much solidarity being shown towards older people throughout this terrible pandemic. At Age UK, we have been overwhelmed by all the offers of help we have received and the generosity of the public.

However, we are also beginning to realise, as no doubt you are too, that dealing with this virus is a marathon, not a sprint – especially for older people.

Consider a memorial service The way funerals are taking place at the moment may not be the way you would want to say goodbye to someone.

You might want to start planning a memorial service or gathering for those unable to attend. That way, you know that everyone who wants to say goodbye can, and you have a chance to celebrate their life as you normally would have done.

Understandably, you might feel too upset to face these tasks. If you feel able to, tell the people around you what you need from them and how they can help.

There are professionals who can support you.

Expect unexpected emotions Everyone feels and reacts differently to becoming bereaved. There is no right or wrong way to deal with how you feel about this.

As well as the emotional pain of losing someone they love, carers will experience a whole range of emotions, especially if this signifies the end of their caring role.

Your feelings could range from relief at having more time to yourself, to guilt at feeling that way, to a desire to make some big changes, to feeling exhausted, alone and unable to do much at all.

Feeling free to acknowledge these complex emotions can be an important part of coming to terms with your loss.

Sometimes it can help to share your feelings with a close family member or friend or you could turn to a bereavement charity such as Cruse Bereavement Care or Sue Helen Walker Ryder’s Online Chief Executive, Bereavement Carers UK Support.

Many experts predict a resurgence later in the year Even if, as we all hope, the rate of infection continues to decline, it is still a real menace to older people in some places and in shared living settings like care homes.

What’s more, while it may be suppressed during the summer, many experts predict a resurgence later in the year, coinciding with the usual seasonal flu and creating a ‘double whammy’, which will be tough to overcome.

This means that older people are going to need a lot of love and support for a good while yet, if they are to survive all of this with their health in good shape and their spirits high.

Age UK can only continue with support from you, the public, so so if you can, please do help us by donating via our website www. ageuk.org.uk/ yourlaterlife or by giving us a call on 0800 077 8751

It is clearly going to be a long time before the shielded group can expect to live ‘normally’ once again The lockdown has been lifted to the extent that families are able to meet with both grandparents, albeit only in a public space or a garden. After so long physically apart, this felt like – and indeed was – a big step forward.

The next step was that those who are shielding, because they are at exceptional clinical risk of becoming severely ill if they contract the virus, were told they could very cautiously venture out and meet one other person, provided they abide by the social

distancing rules.

This was a very welcome start – though we know many remain too afraid to take advantage of it.

Nonetheless, it is clearly going to be a long time before the shielded group, that includes almost a million older people, can expect to live normally once again.

We must keep these older people at the forefront of our minds and give them all the practical and emotional support they need.

It isn’t only shielded older people who require this, but others who live with someone who is extremely vulnerable, such as those coping with mental health problems unrelated to COVID-19, as well as the older people who contracted the virus and thankfully survived, but who will need months of rehab.

Let’s not forget, too, those with deep emotional scars following bereavement, who were unable to mourn in the usual way; and the older people who have lost capacity, or confidence as a result of being cooped up and less active than before.

We can only continue to be there for older people with the support of the public Now is the time for us to redouble our efforts to reach out and care for older people.

It’s why our brilliant local Age UKs will go on being there, delivering food and medicines and running their local services, and why our national Information and Advice and Friendship services are gearing up – not winding down.

COVID-19 hasn’t done with us yet and older people still need our help.

Caroline Abrahams Charity Director, Age UK

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This page is sponsored by Santander

Why the best partnerships When businesses and charities work in partnership, they can pool their expertise, find effective solutions to complex issues and drive systemic change.

are strategic ones

T Elisa Moscolin Head of Sustainability & CSR, Santander UK

Charlotte Matier Director of Development, Alzheimer’s Society

Hannorah Lee Director of Partnerships, Age UK

hese days, most forwardthinking organisations and companies understand the importance of acting sustainably and responsibly. In order to achieve this ambition and thrive, businesses need local communities and the wider society to prosper too.

Indeed, we know that ‘no business can ever succeed in isolation’, insists Elisa Moscolin, Head of Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility at Santander.

The importance of partnership To make a real difference in this area, effective teamwork is needed with other stakeholders who are experts in their respective fields.

For example, to improve the lives of older people and those affected by dementia and ensure they have better access to financial services, Santander and the charities Alzheimer’s Society and Age UK have formed a strategic partnership.

The operative word here is ‘strategic’. Many organisations will partner up with charities, but offer arm’s length support, such as donations. There’s nothing wrong with this because charities need the financial support to deliver their vital work, notes Moscolin, but her organisation wanted to do something over and above cheque-writing.

Working as ‘one’ makes a partnership stronger “We’re always asking how we can better serve an ageing population and people living with dementia to empower them to stay financially independent for longer,” Moscolin says.

“We’re not experts in dementia or later life, but the charities are. By working as one, we can make the most of our different areas of expertise and, together, find effective solutions to complex issues.”

One outcome has been the creation of a steering group — made up of people living with or affected by dementia — to make sure the bank’s products, services and process are dementia-friendly.

In developing this type of initiative, it’s not enough for strategic partners to be close, says Moscolin; they must identify as a collective.

Alzheimer’s Society and Age UK have seconded staff to work within Santander to influence and drive change across the bank.

The charities also participate in team meetings. “We realised that

if we work as one, our partnership will be stronger,” says Moscolin.

An effective way to make big improvements The trust and respect fostered by this way of working allows the charities to speak “as critical friends” to the bank.

“Because we’re a team, we’re able to ask: ‘OK. We’ve hit a brick wall. How do we collectively go around this?’” says Moscolin.

Having a strong strategic relationship also helps during a crisis. “The charities advise us on how to best support older people and those affected by dementia. So, when COVID-19 struck, the bank was already using their expertise to support and respond to our customers’ needs.

In partnership with the Santander Foundation, we also offered support to the charities to help vulnerable people in our communities.”

“All three partners have big ambitions,” says Hannorah Lee, Director of Partnerships at Age UK. “We all want to build a better world for people who are most in need and we recognised that working strategically is our best chance to drive big, systemic change.

“If we can influence the way an organisation works with other people and harness its skills to help us achieve our objectives, we thought it was the obvious thing to do.”

Why strategic partnerships are the future Charlotte Matier, Director of Development at Alzheimer’s Society, agrees. “Other organisations will see there’s a different style of working with charities that goes far beyond fundraising — one that adds commercial value and improves the experience of customers. It is not just a socially responsible step to ensuring that people are embraced and understood.

There is a clear economic case demonstrating that dementia-friendly businesses are more successful in retaining and attracting customers.

“There’s also a bit of peer pressure. Do you really want to be the only company working in your industry that isn’t dementia inclusive?”

This type of private sector/third sector strategic partnership is still relatively rare, but it’s the future say Lee, Matier and Moscolin.

“Obviously, we want to be a commercially successful organisation, and we want to do that by being a responsible and sustainable bank.

This means taking a broader, holistic view to make sure our commercial decisions are also socially and environmentally sound.

“Working in strategic partnership with charities has done that by changing the way we think and operate,” concluded Moscolin.

For more information about Santander, Alzheimer’s Society and Age UK’s strategic partnership, access www.santander sustainability.co.uk/ partnerships

Santander UK plc. Registered Office: 2 Triton Square, Regent’s Place, London, NW1 3AN, United Kingdom. Registered Number 2294747. Registered in England and Wales. www.santander.co.uk. Telephone 0800 389 7000. Santander and the flame logo are registered trademarks. Copyright © Santander UK plc. All rights reserved.

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Top tips for carers on keeping connected during COVID-19

“It’s shown me a new way of helping people”

– volunteering during COVID-19 Royal Voluntary Service would normally be supporting people in hospitals and communities, but many of their face-to-face services have been interrupted due to COVID-19. Archie is just one of their thousands of volunteers helping his community.

The isolation many of us have felt during this time is not a new issue for unpaid carers.

If you’re caring for someone, it’s important to try to not let your own needs slip. Take time to look after yourself and make sure you feel connected with those around you.

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hile COVID-19 and the lockdown have brought challenges for many of us, it is fair to say it has been an especially challenging time for unpaid carers looking after a family member or friend who is older, disabled or living with a physical or mental illness.

The isolation many of us have felt during this time is not a new issue for some carers – particularly those who are caring many hours a week for people with complex health conditions and disabilities.

We know many people find it difficult to talk openly about their caring role, sometimes because they don’t think they will be properly understood, or because they don’t want to ‘offload’ on someone.

The lockdown and social distancing restrictions will have intensified that feeling of isolation for a larger number of carers, many of whom are currently unable to take a break from caring to spend time with friends and family, or take part in an activity outside the home as they might have done before.

Despite those difficulties, at Carers UK, we’ve seen carers tackle some of the difficult challenges that lockdown has presented, proving that keeping connected and staying well during the pandemic is possible.

If you’re caring for someone, it’s important to try to not let your own needs slip – take time to look after yourself and make sure you feel connected with those around you.

Why not try the following suggestions to stay in touch with the people you know?

Archie Hannah Volunteer, Royal Voluntary Service

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hanks to vital funding, staff and volunteers at Royal Voluntary Service have been able to adapt and mobilise to support communities. This includes shopping and medication deliveries, transport to urgent medical appointments and safe and well phone calls.

Archie Hannah is 68 and lives in Stirlingshire. He’s been volunteering with Royal Voluntary Service since January, and since lockdown began he’s clocked up well over 250 hours of service.

“I’ve been involved in the care sector for over 20 years.

I started entertaining residents in care homes after I took early retirement to look after my children; who were nine and 14 when my wife sadly passed away.

“I have always enjoyed helping others and, in January this year, joined Royal Voluntary Service.

I am now incredibly busy supporting vulnerable people during the coronavirus pandemic.

“A typical day of volunteering starts at 9am, when I telephone clients who need support. Some of them are older people, others can be younger with disabilities; no two clients are the same.

“A lot of people are feeling very isolated and lonely right now, so a good natter can do wonders for their wellbeing!

Being able to help others during such a challenging time is incredibly rewarding. Clients have been most appreciative and often say, ‘What would I do without you?’

As well as making sure they’re safe and well, I also make sure they have the help they need and take time to have a chat.

© M O N K E Y B U S I N ES S I M AG ES

“Knowing that we are often their only support network motivates me to keep helping them.

“It’s been very beneficial to my own health. It’s an absolute pleasure to be able to do something useful in the community and play such an important part in helping people, who would be entirely vulnerable without our support – especially during this difficult time.

“My son is now a consultant anaesthetist working directly with COVID-19 patients, so it’s heart-warming to think we’re both helping.

“Volunteering during the pandemic has shown me a new way of helping people, and has shown me the great contributions made by all Royal Voluntary Service volunteers, through the ‘giving of their time’.

“Even after all of this is over; I will always be helping with Royal Voluntary Service – although I won’t be doing quite so many hours!”

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Make time to call family and friends It’s reassuring to know that, during this time, it is possible to communicate easily, even from far

away. Making time to pick up the phone to call family members, or friends you haven’t spoken to in a while, can help. Carers have been quick to make use of video conferencing services to communicate with friends and family living elsewhere – instant messaging apps are also popular.

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Reach out to your neighbours The ‘circle of care’ for many carers and the people they are looking after has become bigger thanks to community responses to coronavirus, with neighbours coming forward to help unpaid carers with accessing food, other supplies and providing moral support too. Reach out to your neighbours if you haven’t already and let them know that you need help on an ongoing basis – they may be able to lend a helping hand.

Helen Walker Chief Executive, Carers UK

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Connecting with others Talking about and sharing your feelings with someone who understands can be a massive relief and release. Carers have been making use of supportive online groups and sources of help, including Carers UK’s online forum and Care for a Cuppa video chats, where you can connect with other carers facing similar challenges at the moment.

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Look after yourself Don’t forget to take time for you. Combat any rising anxiety levels by setting a strict time limit on how much you read about coronavirus on social media and in the news. Make sure to allocate a time slot in your day for an activity you enjoy – whether it’s to read, write, paint, cook, do some gardening or knit. If you’re a carer looking for advice and information go to www.carersuk.org

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,

MAKE YOUR LEGACY THE NEXT GENERATION’S SURVIVAL

o.uk

One woman dies of ovarian cancer in the UK every two hours.

We believe the next generation deserves better. If you do too, please leave a gift in your Will to Ovarian Cancer Action. Help fund ground-breaking research, raise awareness and save lives.

To help ensure the next generation of girls survive, download a legacy information pack at ovarian.org.uk/legacy or call 020 7380 1730

Charity registered in England & Wales (No. 1109743) & Scotland (No. SC043478)

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Diary of an Age UK helpline adviser Age UK’s free advice line faced unprecedented demand when the pandemic began. Peta has been one of the advisers providing essential information and support to older people.

How to protect yourself from coronavirusrelated fraud

Peta Absalom Helpline Advisor, Age UK

How Peta is helping older people in need “We’ve been so busy on Age UK’s advice line since the pandemic began, and, for a while, we were getting almost double the usual number of calls. The calls I’ve taken have shown me how our older population is struggling to cope and highlight just how vulnerable many people are. Lots of people are worried about themselves and their family and friends, and some of the calls have been particularly hard to hear.

“Harriet, an ex-nurse in Yorkshire who is in her 70s and living alone, called up to ask that, if she were to get coronavirus and pass away, could she still be buried in a grave with her family, as requested in her will. During the call she was hugely apologetic for taking up my time on the line, but I reassured her that we are here to help on all sorts of matters, especially at this unprecedented time.

“Another woman called who was concerned for her brother, in his 70s, who has a fracture, dementia, and difficulty with his sight. He is usually looked after by his son and daughter-in-law but they’re self-isolating due to coronavirus symptoms. He’s been trying to cope alone without carers and hasn’t been able to shower. His sister also worries that he’s had some falls and whether he’s taking his medication. She was beside herself, feeling her brother has been abandoned by the system and social support in his time of need.

“I also had a man in his 80s call who has several underlying health conditions. He’s running out of food and he also needs medical assistance, but he was told a district nurse can’t be sent to his home, so he’s not sure what to do. I was able to let him know about the different options of support available for him, for example a contact for his local Age UK who is providing onthe-ground services, and I could signpost him to other local organisations who might be able to help.

“Coronavirus is having an impact on most calls I’ve been receiving in some way or another. I took a call from a man in his 70s who is having trouble paying a council tax bill.

He’s living in sheltered accommodation and is on pension credit, and he can’t pay a bill which was originally waivered but has now been taken up again by the local authority. He sounded completely helpless, and it’s clear that, although people are still struggling with the same issues they had before coronavirus, the health crisis is creating additional challenges and worries.

“It’s been a difficult time, but it feels good to be able to offer reassurance and advice to those who are struggling.

Despite this, I still believe we can be hopeful about the future. We all have a part to play, and Age UK is determined to be there for the older people who need us the most.”

The City of London Police’s National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) is warning the public to be alert as criminals continue to exploit coronavirus to commit fraud.

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pdated figures show there have been over 2,282 reports to Action Fraud on COVID-19 related fraud since 07 June 2020, with total losses of £6,253,109 million.

What scams are we seeing?

The majority of reports are related to online shopping scams, where people have ordered protective face masks, hand sanitiser, and other products that have never arrived. In a lot of cases, if they have arrived, they have been sub-standard. Other frauds being reported include ticket fraud, romance fraud, advance fee fraud and rental fraud. Examples of these scams include criminals posting fake adverts of pets for sale and getting victims to pay a deposit for the animal, that in fact, does not exist.

How you can protect yourself Watch out for scam messages Don’t click on the links or attachments in suspicious emails or texts, and never respond to unsolicited messages and calls that ask for your personal or financial details.

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Do your research when shopping online If you’re making a purchase from a company or person you don’t know and trust, carry out some research first and ask a friend or family member for advice before completing the purchase.

Remember to look at reviews for the site or seller to see if other people have experienced any issues. If you decide to go ahead with the purchase, use a credit card if you have one, as most major credit card providers insure online purchases.

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Protect your devices from the latest threats Always install the latest software and app updates to protect your devices from the latest threats.

How you can help In April, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) launched

the pioneering ‘Suspicious Email Reporting Service’, developed in partnership with the City of London Police. The service makes it easier than ever to flag suspicious emails – including those related to coronavirus.

Members of the public can send their suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk and the NCSC’s automated programme will immediately test the validity of the site. Any sites found to be phishing scams will be removed immediately.

As well as taking down malicious sites, the service will support the police by providing live time analysis of reports and identifying new patterns in online offending – helping them stop even more offenders in their tracks.

Empowering people to simply forward questionable emails to report@phishing.gov.uk meant that, within just 24 hours of the service launching, more than 80 scam URLs were taken down after 5,000 suspicious emails were flagged, helping to prevent future victims of crime. Since then, more than 672,000 reports have come in, leading to over 5,000 previously unknown phishing URLs being removed.

There are various examples of what has been taken down with the help of the reporting service, including scam web pages featuring mock-ups of official Gov.uk and TV licensing websites, plus web pages purporting to sell coronavirus linked bogus products such as testing kits, face masks and even vaccines.

Technology is helping us keep connected during coronavirus, but it is sometimes exploited by criminals.

The fact the public have taken the opportunity with this new email reporting service to fight back and show these criminals how unacceptable this is, is fantastic.

Fraud is an incredibly underreported crime. The more the police know about fraud, and fraud attempts, the better chance they have of tracking down those responsible and bringing them to justice.

Commander Karen Baxter National Lead for Fraud, City of London Police

If you have lost money, you should tell your bank and report it as a crime to Action Fraud online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040

For practical information and advice, please call Age UK’s advice line on 0800 169 65 65, or, for a cheerful chat, call The Silver Line Helpline day or night on 0800 470 80 90.

©WAV EB R E A K M ED I A

For more information on the latest coronavirus-related scams and news, please visit: www.actionfraud.police.uk/covid19 For more information on how to shop online safely, please visit: www.actionfraud.police.uk/shoponlinesafely For information on how to update your devices, please visit: www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/securing-your-devices

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Technology is helping us keep connected during coronavirus, but it is sometimes exploited by criminals.� ~ Karen Baxter, National Lead for Fraud, City of London Police

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This article is sponsored by Marsden Building Society

Why you CAN apply for a mortgage in later life It might surprise you but applying for a mortgage in later life isn’t out of bounds. In fact, those in later life can apply for a mortgage to buy a new home, remortgage an existing property or release funds to help children or grandchildren onto the property ladder.

Steve Robinson Head of Lending, Marsden Building Society

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teve Robinson, Head of Lending at the Marsden Building Society, says that a growing number of lenders offer mortgages for the over 50s. “This reflects how people’s lifestyles have changed,” he says. “And, of course, we’re all living a lot longer.”

There are lots of reasons why an older borrower may be interested in taking out a retirement mortgage. And it’s not just to transfer a current mortgage, older borrowers can take on a new mortgage and can borrow for a variety of personal reasons, supporting their lifestyle or loved ones. Robinson admits, however, that the definition of a ‘retirement mortgage’ can mean different things to different lenders.

“From our perspective, applicants need to be aged 55 or over, either in retirement or very close to it,” he says.

“Everyone’s circumstances are different, so it’s important to get the right advice and make sure the mortgage is tailored to your individual needs to make sure it’s affordable, both now and in the future.”

How much you can borrow will depend on your circumstances but, in the case of the Marsden, they’ll consider applicants from the age of 55 to the age of 85, opening up options for borrowers in later life.

© M O N K E Y B U S I N ES S I M AG ES

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Five years of pension freedoms It was back in 2015 that we saw the launch of game-changing Pension Freedoms Act. Suddenly, retirees had a multitude of options to consider. Now, five years on, how successful have they been?

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Lizzy Holliday Head of DC, Master Trusts and Lifetime Savings, PLSA

What potential borrowers can expect on application When applying for a retirement mortgage, older borrowers can expect lenders to carry out a full affordability assessment.

“It’s important to work out what the applicant’s income is, what their commitments are and if they can afford to make mortgage payments comfortably,” says Robinson.

“As with any mortgage, the property is valued, and a credit search is performed to make sure they are up-to-date with their commitments.”

But aren’t retirement mortgages a risk for both lender and borrower? After all, the clue is in the name: the mortgagor isn’t working anymore, so not generating an income.

“The plus for most older borrowers is that they’re likely to have a more-or-less guaranteed pension income,” says Robinson. “They may also have investments and, if they own a buy-to-let-property, rental income that we can take into consideration.

“There’s a lot more certainty about the income generated by people in later life. And, because they’re a little bit older, they’ve usually had a mortgage before, so understand how it works and what the commitment is.”

A change in circumstance is a key risk in later life, so finding a lender experienced in retirement mortgages is important. It’s not just about the help you receive in arranging your mortgage, but the ongoing support the lender will provide throughout the life of the mortgage.

Circumstances can and will change, so you want to feel confident that help will always be there.

reedom is an attractive concept, and there is an intuitive fairness in enabling savers to directly access and make decisions about what to do with their hard-earned and saved money. But, in practical terms, how has it worked out for savers? And, from the point of view of the PLSA mission ‘to help everyone to achieve a better income in retirement,’ how is it measuring up?

Freedoms and risks The pension freedoms mean that, rather than usually having to use defined contribution (DC) savings to purchase a ‘lifetime annuity’, people can instead access their DC pension savings as cash.

They can also invest, or ‘drawdown’ regular or lump sums, or purchase an annuity.

The new options shift a number of risks onto the individual in retirement.

For example, the possibility of running out of income, ongoing exposure to stock market fluctuations, and potential diminished decisionmaking capabilities needed to manage these products, are all down to the individual to take on.

What are savers doing?

While the real impact of these risks will be borne out in years to come, studies of trends and behaviours indicate a significant shift away from lifetime annuities and over to flexible drawdown.

Prior to the reforms, 90% of pension pots moved into annuities in the decumulation phase.

By June 2018, FCA reported that twice as many pots were moving into drawdown than annuities with 2019 figures suggesting the downward trend in annuity sales has continued.

The total value of flexible withdrawals has risen steadily, and now exceeds £35 billion.

To find out more about the retirement mortgages the Marsden can offer, visit themarsden.co.uk/your-later-life or call 01282 440537* Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage *Calls will be recorded and may be monitored

Read more at yourlaterlife.co.uk

Supporting all savers One of the challenges for achieving good outcomes and successfully supporting savers is the historic and current low level of savers engagement with their pensions.

In a context where the greatest success in getting people into a pension

has been achieved through harnessing the power of inertia, demanding complex decision-making and riskmanagement at retirement is a significant contrast.

Addressing education and advice gaps is part of the solution – but may not be sufficient for all.

The system at retirement should work for those who don’t know much about pensions, or who are concerned about making the right choice, as well as those who have detailed plans and have confidence in knowing their options.

This is why we have been seeking to further develop a new approach that speaks to the type of engagement we see in reality and mitigates some of the risks for savers.

Evolving pension freedoms and guiding savers In Hitting the Target, the 2018 report that set out the PLSA’s vision for achieving income adequacy for all, we recommended • following extensive consultation • proposals called ‘guided atretirement decisions’.

Put simply, this is a way of schemes signposting savers to specific financial product options where they don’t offer decumulation products themselves.

This provides savers with a helping hand on their next steps.

In addition, we proposed a set of standards for what those ‘signposted’ products should offer, to address some of the key risks to savers in respect of retirement incomes.

The idea is that, a few extra ingredients to support the freedoms would improve the experience – and the quality of outcomes – for a wider range of savers.

Five years since the freedoms were launched, debate about their suitability and effectiveness continues.

This year, we are publishing more detailed proposals to implement our ‘guided at retirement decisions’ policy, which seek to evolve the freedoms by supporting schemes to deliver more support for savers and to better manage the risks in the system.

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The system at retirement should work for those who don’t know much about pensions, or who are concerned about making the right choice, as well as those who have detailed plans and have confidence in knowing their options. ~ Lizzy Holliday, Head of DC, Master Trusts and Lifetime Savings, PLSA

Act.

Š M O N K E Y B U S I N ES S I M AG ES

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How a volunteering charity has adapted to face COVID-19 threat

The role of The Shed in social isolation Before COVID-19 there was a pandemic in the UK of loneliness and social isolation. Men’s Sheds are a very simple concept that have seen a massive impact on the lives of thousands across the UK.

Charlie Bethel Chief Officer UK, Men’s Sheds Association

I

n a country of over 65 million people, we have loneliness. Around 200,000 older people have not had a conversation with a friend or relative in more than a month and GPs are seeing up to five people a day on loneliness related issues. Social isolation can lead to obesity, can reduce physical activity, and can increase mortality in older people by 30%; it is the equivalent of smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

And men are at an increased risk of suicide – it is the biggest single killer of men under the age of 46.

Nobody chooses to be lonely. Many of us do not recognise that we are lonely, let alone seek help or find a solution.

Men’s Sheds are so hands off that you don’t realise the level of support they are providing – but just maybe, they are the future?

©T H P STO C K

From baking to beatboxing; how The Virtual Village Hall is helping older and isolated people come together to socialise and enjoy activities during COVID-19.

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What is a Shed?

A Shed is generally a space for people to come together and make things for themselves, their family, friends or their community.

This simple act of tinkering in a shed brings joy to the recipient and, more importantly, gives them a focus and sense purpose for whatever it is they are making, repairing or repurposing.

There are over 580 open Sheds across the UK and many can be found in community centres, industrial units, repurposed buildings, such as railway stations, and some may even be found in physical sheds!

Health by stealth Men’s Sheds have been called the ‘therapy that dare not speak its name’. The Shed has an incredible impact on men’s health, particularly by providing a safe space where men can – and certainly do – talk.

Men may talk to friends standing shoulder to shoulder about things that bother them, where they would not discuss them face-to-face.

To use an anecdote to explain this: ‘If you put 12 men in a room and ask them to talk about themselves, six will leave and the other six will try to find the corners of the room. However, if you put a lawnmower in the room and ask the 12 men to fix it, after two hours the 12 men will know each other very well, their ailments, how many children they have and how they take their tea. They may also have a fixed lawnmower.’

Rebecca Kennelly Director of Volunteering, Royal Voluntary Service

The Shed effect Just focussing on the men and women who attend the Shed, the UK Men’s Sheds Association asked ‘Shedders’ for their insight. Incredibly, the Shed has an overwhelmingly positive impact:

• • • •

97% of Shedders said they had made new friends 96% of those who had identified as lonely before joining a Shed, reported a reduction in loneliness 89% felt a reduction in depression And 75% reported a reduction in anxiety.

Helping yourself through making It would seem that, through the activity of making, recycling or repurposing, we can reboot our systems and make new connections whatever our age.

For more information on Sheds or where to find your local Shed visit: menssheds.org.uk

Find out more about the ‘Virtual Village Hall’ on Facebook or by visiting royalvoluntaryservice .org.uk/VVH

e have a rich history at Royal Voluntary Service of stepping forward to meet the needs of the day, especially during times of crisis.

Originally founded in 1938 as the Women’s Voluntary Services for Air Raid Precautions (WVS), one million ‘Women in Green’ supported communities during the hardships of the Second World War. Over 80 years later, our battle looks very different.

We’ve made major changes to the regular services we ran long before this crisis unfolded.

In normal times, thousands of volunteers gift their time to our hospital shops, cafés and trolley services, as well as visiting and supporting patients on wards.

In the community, hundreds of lunch clubs would serve hot, nutritious meals to thousands of diners every week.

Other volunteers offered one-to-one support to older people living alone who needed a helping hand.

Now, our volunteers take meals or groceries to the doorsteps of our participants, or call clients each week to have a chat and make sure they’re safe and well.

We created the ‘Virtual Village Hall’ But what about our social activity clubs and groups? It would be so easy to assume that these groups couldn’t possibly continue, but, knowing how important they were to our participants, we were passionate about finding a way to make them happen safely.

We had lots of discussions behind the scenes on how we could make this work and, before we knew it, thanks to vital funding from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, the ‘Virtual Village Hall’ was ‘built’ online.

It helps to combat loneliness and isolation for people over 70 by giving them a place to join in with some fantastic activities, many of which they may never have had the chance to try out before.

Laughter yoga, baking and crafts sessions have all gone online Visitors have enjoyed everything from cooking, baking and crafts, to laughter yoga and beatboxing.

Many of our participants are shielding and therefore not getting out and about to exercise, so the ‘Move It or Lose It’ chair-based exercise classes in the village hall have proven very popular with them too.

Taking activities online isn’t without challenges, and, although we’ve had the occasional technical hitch (one visitor affectionately asked if we’d lost the keys to the hall!), it’s been wonderful to see people coming together to socialise and support each other during this time of national crisis and uncertainty.

Could COVID-19 bring a volunteering revolution?

The importance of volunteering has been given a huge spotlight during these extraordinary times.

Many people who suddenly find themselves at a loose end through being furloughed or being unable to visit their families as usual have stepped forward to help their neighbours.

We are incredibly grateful to all of our volunteers for the contribution they have made to their communities.

We don’t know when this crisis will be over, but the importance of supporting each other and lending a helping (socially-distanced) hand is something we hope continues when things get back to normal, however that may look.

Many volunteers tell us that they get far more out of volunteering that they put in; their mental health is boosted, and they feel a real sense of purpose helping others.

Our newer volunteers have been pleasantly surprised that their volunteering can slot into their existing commitments; many of them are rethinking their assumption that they had no time to volunteer previously.

Perhaps in another 80 years’ time, we will be able to look back on 2020 as the time that kick-started another volunteering revolution.

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“ Remember me

in your

” Will

If pets have a place in your heart, please find a place for them in your Will.

A gift in your Will can help secure the future for thousands of pets.

Order your FREE information pack on making or amending a Will and leaving a gift to Blue Cross online at www.bluecross.org.uk/gift-your-will Or return this coupon to: Freepost BLUE CROSS FOR PETS Title:

Name:

Address:

Postcode:

Thank you for your continued support.

www.bluecross.org.uk

oss Blue Cr that rity is a cha helping en has be red and ju in sick, ss pets e hom le 897. since 1

Telephone: I have already pledged to leave a gift in my will to Blue Cross

Alternatively, email legacy@bluecross.org.uk or call 0300 777 1757 and quote room no: L766

Blue Cross is a charity registered in England and Wales (224392) and in Scotland (SC040154). *From time to time we may wish to communicate with you by phone with news about the pets you are helping and ways you can help in the future. If you are happy for us to do this, please fill in your details above.

HOW CAN YOUR TIME MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

Leave a gift in your Will to remember the world’s forgotten people

BECOME A SSAFA VOLUNTEER!

Every day our team of volunteers are making a lasting difference to the lives of serving personnel, veterans and their families.

MAKE YOUR TIME COUNT To find out more about a volunteering role that will make the most of your talents visit:

ssafa.org.uk/volunteer

Registered as a charity in England and Wales Number 210760 in Scotland Number SC038056 and in Republic of Ireland Number 20202001. Est. 1885. S490.0120

Too many people who face a future of poverty, experience stigma and isolation, are denied the chance to go to school or earn a living, just because they have a disability. Together, we can transform the lives of people who are otherwise left behind.

For over 100 years, CBM has been building more inclusive communities for people with disabilities in the world’s poorest places.

By leaving a gift to CBM in your Will you will be giving a future to people living with disabilities and helping to shape a more just and equal world.

For more information about remembering the world’s forgotten people in your Will please email info@cbmuk.org.uk, call our team on 0800 567 7000 or visit www.cbmuk.org.uk/legacy Christian Blind Mission UK is registered with the Charity Commission of England and Wales as charity number 1058162, and the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator as charity number SC041101

L766

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We all want a good later life.

What can we do to prepare?

Planning for your death: The final gift to your family and to you Planning your death may seem like a morbid exercise, but it’s a selfless one. The question is, how do you go about it?

T

here are countless reasons why planning for death is something we tend to put off, or outright avoid. Some believe it goes against the idea of enjoying your life while you’re living it. Others fear there’s a risk of ‘tempting fate’ by planning for the end.

Last year, end of life charity, Marie Curie, launched their ‘Whatever you call it’ campaign, which aimed to get people talking about death, dying and grief and, in turn, help people start planning for their own death. Many supporters came forward to share their own stories around planning for death.

Today’s 50-year-olds are likely to have an astounding 36 or more years to live. So those of us approaching later life need to think very differently about what those extra years will hold.

This is sponsored by ROLDA UK

2.5 million Louise Ansari Director Of Communications and Influencing, Centre For Ageing Better

M

ost of us want some pretty fundamental things when it comes to later life: good health, financial security, to have good relationships with friends and family and live in a home where we feel safe and warm, in an area we like. But many people are worried about a deterioration in both their physical and mental ability to work, get around, and do the hobbies and pastimes they love, as well as having enough money to get by or deal with unexpected events like having to pay for care.

We know that many of these factors need structural change in the work, housing and health systems.

But there’s a lot we can do ourselves, too.

Give yourself peace of mind Lesley Pugsley is living with a terminal illness and was previously being cared for at the Marie Curie Hospice, Cardiff and the Vale.

A lifelong planner, Lesley spent her time at the hospice writing letters to her friends and family, sharing her final wishes with them.She said: “Making all these decisions hasn’t been a chore. It’s been so easy and it’s been so comforting for me.”

Rather than seeing this as a painful process, Lesley sees it as a gift, saying: “It has given me a chance to say the things I want to say to the people I love.”

How can we get ready?

Take health, for example. Just a few minutes a day of activities to improve our strength and balance can reduce our risk of falling and keep us healthy and independent for many years longer.

Our homes play a vital role in this too. Having a home that’s suitable for our changing needs – with adaptations like grab rails or walk-in showers – means we’re able to stay safe in our own home as we get older.

The area where we live matters hugely. Being able to walk to the shops or to services, like the GP, can make a huge difference to our wellbeing, and so too does living in a community we feel connected to and part of. Of course, one of the most crucial areas of planning for later life is finances.

Many of us haven’t thought very hard about how long we’re likely to live, and how much we’ll need to save for retirement – but this is storing up problems for the long-term.

We all need to take a long, hard look at how much we think we’ll need, and how we’ll save for it.

A gift to your family Planning for your death can be an act of love towards your family. Carol Kennaway experienced this following the death of her husband Ralph. Ralph planned out his funeral with their son, Peter, to spare Carol the pain of organising it herself.

Not only did this make things easier for Carol when Ralph died, but also filled her with comfort knowing that “his funeral was exactly as he would have wanted it.”

Ralph’s planning also prompted Carol to think about her own death. She said: “I want to get it all sorted ahead of time. I don’t want to have to leave the burden of those decisions to my kids. I’d like to do it so they don’t have to worry.”

Your guide to later life My book, When We’re 64, is a guide to all of this. It’s filled with expert advice to help you think differently about the adventure that is later life, and how you can make the most of it. www.ageing-better.org.uk/when-were-64

How to plan for death Marie Curie have created a planning checklist to help people start putting their affairs in order before they die. Some of the key items on the list are:

homeless dogs – one quest for change

“It’s hard to envisage 2.5 million stray dogs currently roaming the streets of Romania.”

Gemma Hebden Chief Coordinator, ROLDA UK

M

aia, one such stray, was rescued having suffered devastating injuries to both her front legs after trying to jump a metal fence. She required hours of surgery and over a year of post-op care in the expert hands of ROLDA’s veterinary medical team. Today, she is almost completely recovered and ready to be adopted into a loving home. ROLDA’s story began in 1999 when ROLDA’s founder, Dana Costin, first rescued a German Shepherd after he was used in a dog fight.

It sparked a mission that has spanned two decades.

700 rescued dogs in two shelters Gemma says: “ROLDA never gives up on an animal where there exists a chance of an acceptable quality of life. Maia is the perfect example of a dog to whom we gave the best possible chance.”

ROLDA currently cares for 700 dogs between two purpose-built shelters and has helped over 20,000 dogs and other animals to date (including a donkey called Ben!). ROLDA’s adoption programme has overseen the successful rehoming of nearly 1,800 dogs to happy homes across Europe.

“We do our best to ensure they find the home they deserve, it’s the reason we are here. We are very passionate about that,” says Gemma.

Despite the coronavirus crisis, ROLDA still continues to rescue, which is even more vital now dog abandonments are on the increase in the local area. “Many owners mistakenly believe their dogs can infect them,” Gemma continues. “We are finding many scared and anxious dogs who are clearly used to humans, some still with collars on.

It’s heartbreaking.”

“It costs £110 to run the shelters each year, which are sustained entirely by international giving; “Donations and legacies are our life source,” says Gemma, “we cannot continue to operate without the generous support from people all over the world.”

A gift to ROLDA helps to end the suffering of a dog that would otherwise be unseen.

• Make a Will • Choose someone to make decisions about your finances • Make decisions about your funeral • Arrange who will look after any children or dependents • Leave messages to your loved ones through letters or videos

Amy Matthews Information and Support Manager, Marie Curie

The full checklist can be found at mariecurie.org.uk/talkabout, along with further tools and information to help people plan for the end of life, wherever they are in the process.

If you, or someone you know, is affected by a terminal illness, death or bereavement, then the Marie Curie support line team are ready to help seven days a week with practical information and emotional support when you need it, including a bereavement support service. Call free 0800 090 2309 or visit: mariecurie.org.uk

Maia before:

©WAV EB R E A K M ED I A

The final, and perhaps most important, point is to talk to your loved ones about these things. By sharing your plans with those close to you, they can be confident that they carry out your wishes after you’re gone.

Maia after:

ROLDA is a small yet ambitious animal rescue charity, established to help the 2.5 million stray dogs of Romania.

ROLDA rescues, shelters and operates a successful rehoming programme across Europe.

This is sponsored by Centre for Ageing Better

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COMBAT STRESS SAVED MY LIFE.”

Read more at yourlaterlife.co.uk | 15

For Chelsea Pensioner Michael Allen life changed completely when he sought our help 30 years after leaving the Army.

We are often told this by the veterans we help.

Our specialist mental health treatment is life-changing and often life-saving.

Many veterans hit rock bottom before seeking our help.

They rely on Combat Stress and we rely on people like you.

For a chat about how gifts in Wills help fund 1 in 5 of the veterans we help, please contact Sarah Seddon (01372 587 144 or sarah.seddon@combatstress.org.uk)

Become a guardian for the next generation

aia after:

Gifts in wills mean we can be there for children – today, tomorrow, for however long they need us. Together we can protect children, and prevent abuse.

Search ‘NSPCC guardians’ to request your free legacy information pack.

©NSPCC 2020. Registered charity England and Wales 216401 and Scotland SC037717.

Photography by Tom Hull. The Child and adult pictured are models.

20JH052

combatstress.org.uk Combat Stress, Company Registered in England & Wales No 256353.

Charity Registration No 206002 (SC038828 in Scotland).

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www.ageuk.org.uk

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