Many older adults in the UK feel increasingly marginalised, akin to feeling “cancelled”.
- Three in ten retirees experience exclusion in everyday life, linked to loneliness.
- Older individuals sense neglect from fashion, tech, and media sectors.
- 82% of respondents advocate for better social care and family support.
- Research urges institutions to innovate for the evolving needs of the elderly.
In the United Kingdom, a significant number of older adults express feelings of exclusion and marginalisation, which they compare to being “cancelled”. A comprehensive study by Home Instead highlights how prevalent these sentiments are, with over 35% of respondents equating old age to being cancelled, and the percentage rising to 43% among older women above the age of 75. This sentiment is not limited to the elderly, as nearly half of younger men (18-34) also perceive it similarly.
The research indicates a noticeable disregard for older demographics by sectors like fashion, where 60% feel ignored, and high street brands, with 59% feeling bypassed. Similarly, 57% and 66% of older adults feel that modern television, cinema, and music respectively do not cater to their tastes. This lack of representation contributes significantly to a sense of loneliness, which is felt by 73% of those over the age of 75.
Margaret Newson, an 88-year-old from Tunbridge Wells, articulates this predicament: “You get to a point in your life where you cease to exist as far as the rest of the world is concerned. Being excluded like this really is like being cancelled.” Her words echo a widespread desire among older individuals to remain active and engaged members of society.
The research further delves into potential solutions such as enhancing social care. There is explicit dissatisfaction with the current system, where 52% would not trust it for themselves or their loved ones, and 51% find it difficult to navigate. The call for reform is strong, with 58% of participants advocating for the management of social care by experts rather than politicians.
Technological solutions present a frontier for addressing these challenges. A significant majority, 77%, believe technology needs to become more user-friendly for older individuals, with the number climbing to 91% among the oldest survey participants. There is also notable openness to innovations such as AI to mitigate loneliness, supported by 50% of respondents. This insight suggests a promising avenue for integrating older individuals into the digital age.
This extensive research underscores a critical need for societal and institutional changes to better accommodate older adults, ensuring they are not left behind.
