People in their 50s and 60s are facing retirement in poor health and without enough money to support themselves, a charity has warned.
The Centre for Ageing Better has warned tha t the COVID-19 pandemic could lead to a ‘lost generation’ as it published the details of a new IPSOS Mori poll.
According to the poll, a fifth of people in this age group have seen their physical health deteriorate during the lockdown period, and over a third say their mental health has worsened. Over half have had a medical or dental appointment delayed or cancelled, prompting fears that untreated conditions could set back the health of this generation irreparably.
Of this age group, 37% have been drinking more alcohol during lockdown, and 39% have been smoking more.
And almost half believe that their personal finances will worsen over the next year, and only 39% of those who are currently furloughed or of working age but not in employment are confident that they will be employed in the future.
‘These figures are deeply worrying,’ said Centre chief executive, Anna Dixon.
‘If this generation continues to be an afterthought in the coronavirus recovery, we will see a lost generation entering retirement in poorer health and worse financial circumstances than those before them.
‘We know that the over 50s already face serious disadvantages in the workforce, are more likely to be made redundant and struggle more than any other group to get back into work once they have fallen out. And yet this group are being ignored when it comes to proposed actions to support the recovery,’ she added.
‘At the same time, it’s clear that this group also face serious risks to their health. More than one in five have seen their health deteriorate during lockdown. We need to see much stronger action to improve the health of the population and tackle the causes of preventable illness and disability, especially in poorer areas.’
Photo Credit – Alexandra Koch (Pixabay)