‘Hidden mental health crisis’ as older people lose confidence in going out

A hidden mental health crisis is debilitating for older people, with millions having lost the confidence to leave their homes, a charity has warned.

Age UK said the last two years have had an “alarming” impact on older people, many of whom have lost confidence and motivation and are experiencing anxiety, memory loss and disturbed sleep.

Those with dementia and cognitive impairment have seen their condition deteriorate more quickly than would have been otherwise anticipated over the last two years, it said.

In some cases, older people have reported feeling suicidal.

The charity is urging friends and relatives of older people to reach out for a chat, or send a letter, and encouraged people to ask for help if they are struggling.

Some 1,598 people in the UK aged 60 and over were questioned for the charity by Kantar Polling in August and September last year.

It found that a third of older people feel more anxious, and a similar proportion (34%) feel less motivated to do the things they enjoy, compared with before the pandemic.

Scaled up to reflect the UK population, this suggests 4.1 million people are feeling more anxious and more than 4.3 million less motivated.

Some 27% said they speak less to family now, with 24% saying they feel less close to their relatives, and 41% described feeling lonely.

The findings also suggest older people have lost the confidence to leave their homes, following two years of restrictions.

More than a third (38%) said they would not feel confident in using public transport – the equivalent of 4.8 million people when scaled up to population level.

Some 29% said the same for going to indoor venues such as restaurants and theatres (equivalent to 3.6 million), or religious settings such as a church, mosque or temple (26% – equivalent to 3.3 million).

One respondent said: “(I) think about death quite a lot. Life seems just a drudge. Nothing to look forward to.”

Another said: “I now worry about things so much more than before, to the point it is affecting sleeping through the night.”

Peter Ireland, counselling manager at Age UK Manchester, said: “For some of our clients there is a general fear of this invisible enemy that has been destroying lives.

“They have become fearful of other people, of going shopping, or even going out for a walk.”

• Who to contact if you or someone you know is in need of help:

Anyone who needs support, or is worried about an older relative or friend, can call the Age UK Advice Line free of charge on 0800 169 6565 (8am-7pm) or visit www.ageuk.org.uk.

Any older person looking for a cheerful chat can call The Silver Line’s free helpline, day or night, on 0800 470 80 90.

The Samaritans can be contacted 24 hours a day on 116 123 or jo@samaritans.org.