Health issues in older people
Life expectancy in Rochdale borough at the age of 65 is 17.3 years for males and 19.6 years for females, compared to 18.7 and 21.1 years respectively for the national average (Office for National Statistics 2018-20).
Risk factors that impact health in older people
As people age, they become more susceptible to disease and disability (World Health Organisation, 2011). However, much of the burden of ill health among older people can be reduced or prevented by adequately addressing specific risk factors such as injury, poverty, maltreatment, social isolation and development of non-communicable diseases.
Older people with multiple long term conditions
It is very important to recognise that many residents of Rochdale have more than one health condition and consequently can have very complex health needs. People with multiple conditions use a lot of health services.
In the long term it is important to reduce the number of people with multiple conditions through prevention activity. In the short term it is important that we see them holistically as a person. This is central to our wellbeing approach which is about practical welfare, relationships and how the person feels in body and mind.
Older people hospital admissions and common conditions
Common causes for hospital admissions in older people (over 65s) in Rochdale include:
- Pneumonia
- Disorders of the urinary system
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
- Heart failure
- Respiratory infections
- Chest or throat pain
- Fractures
- Renal failure
In addition to these the prevalence of illnesses and conditions such as dementia, hearing and sight loss, incontinence, osteoporosis, depression and anxiety all increase with age and are therefore more common in our older population.
Statistics on health issues in older people
- Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) - Older people's health and wellbeing profile - the Older People's Health and Wellbeing Profile can be used to examine the health and care of older people. It is designed to support those responsible for delivering strategies for prevention and early intervention to improve the health and wellbeing of older adults.
Information and guidance on health issues in older people
- Local Government Association - Local government guide to healthy ageing - this report looks at various health behaviours in older people and considers the impact they have on health. It also contains a number of case studies from local authorities on action that can be taken.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance - Older people - NICE has produced a number of documents that cover health issues in older people including guidance on social care for people with long-term conditions, preventing falls, home care and shared learning.
- Government Office for Science - Future of ageing collection - the 'Future of an ageing population' project provided state of the art scientific evidence to the government to inform a range of policies and actions. It includes reports, essays and evidence reviews.