I was pleased to attend the Age UK Parliamentary summer reception to learn about health and care provisions for older people.
Many people spend their later years with multiple health conditions and the percentage of people aged over 65 years old with two or more health conditions is projected to increase from 54 per cent in 2015 to 68 per cent in 2035. In light of this, the Government supports the health needs of, and prevents ill health in, older people through a variety of actions.
The NHS Health Check detects people at risk of developing cardiovascular disease in later life, and other common preventable diseases among older people. The Government also engages with a wide range of organisations on healthy ageing and the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities is taking targeted actions to tackle the most common preventable diseases.
In addition, a Major Conditions Strategy will soon be published, to tackle conditions that contribute most to morbidity and mortality across the population in England including cancers, cardiovascular disease, including stroke and diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, dementia, mental ill health and musculoskeletal conditions.
The Older People’s Housing Taskforce was also launched earlier this year. The panel will focus on: the needs, preferences and concerns of older people, their families and their carers; maximising the potential of technology, building design and regulation to ensure homes are suitable for the future; and understanding progress at a local level to increase the volume and diversity of housing options for older people. The taskforce will run for up to 12 months, producing an independent report to Government upon conclusion.