1. Ageing in the Countryside

A little known statistic about the East Midlands is that it has the highest ageing rate of all English regions. By 2028 there are projected to be 1,131,000 people over the age of 65 in the region, an increase of 2.01% per year. The 2001 census identified 670,595 over the age of 65, a projected increase of 460,405, which is in fact likely to grow as people continue to live longer. The implications for the rural parts of the East Midlands in terms of planning for the future are complex and diverse. There will be challenges but also opportunities to think creatively about how to harness this growing resource. The implications for those ageing in the countryside are difficult to ascertain. There are many people who retire to the countryside with good pensions, drawn by the quality of life. The attractive rural image rarely shows the hidden side of living in the countryside, particularly for those on low fixed incomes and no transport. When a partner dies or ill health intervenes the reality can be difficult. There will be increasing numbers of isolated people, often women, living in poverty.

2. Why is the countryside ageing?

At a simple level, more older people are moving into the countryside, particularly at a pre-retirement stage, and younger people are moving away for economic and personal reasons. There is evidence that it is socially selective, as less well off couples move away, perhaps because of high house prices, and relatively well off families and couples move in. There is an over representation of older people living in rural districts. Thus 22% of people living in rural districts are over 65 compared to 19% in urban areas. Some places it is 30%, for example in East Lindsey where many people move at around retirement age and will increase further in the next 20 years.

3. National Picture

There were approximately 2.5 million people over 65 living in rural areas in 2001. Of this group, 25% or 630,000 people are below the low income threshold. In remote rural areas, nearly 30% of low income households had someone over the age of 60 living with them. The profile of rural parishes is not an attractive one for people with limited resources. 86% had no doctor’s surgery, 56% had no recreational club for older people, 46% had no post office, 16% had no bus service.

The specific issues facing older people living in rural communities cover a few broad themes around access to:

• Good transport
• Good housing
• Good local services

There is also a need to address existing poor housing, social isolation and poor health.

4. Opportunities

4.1 Social Capital

Older people in rural areas play a key role in providing the ‘glue’ that holds communities together. This is known as ‘social capital’ and needs to be encouraged and supported if it is to continue. The time and skills that older people contribute to local communities shouldn’t be taken for granted. The social support that is offered and received is essential to the well being of older people living in rural areas. Steps need to be taken to ensure the pool of volunteers continue as the baby boomers retire.

4.2 Economic contribution

The general perception that once people reach the age of 65 they no longer contribute economically to society must be challenged. Not only are older people important for stimulating work via specific goods and services, there are growing numbers of older people carrying on working. This is often in a self employed capacity. See the attached adobe file for more information.

The example of how pensioners prevented the Cumbrian economy going into meltdown during the foot and mouth outbreak is an interesting one. It reminds us that even in times of great economic difficulty that pension incomes, however meagre, continue and their contribution important.

5. Challenges

5.1 Information Technology

Some agencies believe access to information technology and broadband will make life easier for isolated older people in terms of receiving information and advice. Undoubtedly it is essential for all areas to have access to this technology but there is a risk that access will not necessarily lead to greater use of technology. Recent research suggests that 83% of people over the age of 65 have not used the internet and of the 17% who say they have, a substantial proportion only use email. This means more digital information will not necessarily be meeting the needs of those who need it most and organisations that work with and for older people need to remember that.

5.2 Growing numbers of black and minority ethnic (BME) elders

The people who emigrated to Britain in the post war period are now approaching or have reached retirement age. Whilst most BME elders live in urban areas there are growing numbers moving to the countryside. Service providers need to ensure they monitor these changes and meet the needs to all older people and provide appropriate services. Age Concern East Midlands and VOICE East Midlands have been working the University of Leicester on a project in Lincolnshire to identify the specific needs of BME elders living in a rural county. The report from this will be available in early 2006.

Conclusion

It is the poorest and the oldest who have the greatest needs in our rural counties. Agencies who work for the countryside must also remember those that live in the countryside. They are the people who are more excluded and isolated and whose needs are in danger of being forgotten. The next 20 years will see the proportion of older people living in the countryside rising still further. It is important to remember that they are not a homogenous group and will have a wide range of needs. By understanding the demographic changes and listening to what older people want and planning for the future, it should be possible to ensure all older people have the quality of life that they want, throughout the East Midlands.