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Older People

Summary Points

Merthyr Tydfil reports the highest proportion of the population aged 65 and over reporting limiting long term illness in Wales at 68.7% compared to the Wales average of 57.2%. [2001 Census]
The proportion of persons aged 75 and over who live alone in Merthyr Tydfil is 46.9% [the second highest in Wales] compared to the Wales average of 43%. [2001 Census]
In 2005, Merthyr Tydfil [61.6%] had the highest proportion of people aged 65+ admitted to hospital on an emergency basis in Wales.

The Older Population

In common with the UK as a whole, the proportion of the Welsh population aged 65 and over is increasing whilst the proportion of young people is decreasing.

The chart below shows 2005 mid year estimates at Local Health Board level for the population aged 65 years and over.

Living Alone

The figure below shows the proportion of people aged 75 years and over living alone in Welsh LHBs. A higher proportion of older people live alone in the south Wales valleys and north east Wales. It is important to note that women are more likely than men to live alone, especially at older ages. Twice as many women live alone in the over 75 age group compared to men. The proportion of persons aged 75 and over who live alone in Merthyr Tydfil is 46.9% [the second highest in Wales] compared to the Wales average of 43%.

Limiting long-term illness (LLTI)

Limiting Long Term Illness is a self-reported measure of long-term illness, health problems or disability that limits a person’s daily activities or the work they can do. LLTI includes problems related to old age. It should be remembered that these data are based on self-reported ill-health, rather than officially diagnosed ill-health. Wales has the highest proportion of people aged 65 years and over reporting LLTI. The figure below presents this data at Local Health Board level. In general, higher rates are evident in the South Wales valleys and Merthyr Tydfil reports the highest levels in Wales at 68.7%.

Emergency Hospital Rates

The following chart shows the proportion of emergency admissions ranged from 52% to 62% at Local Health Board level in 2005. Local Health Boards with higher emergency admission rates and higher proportions of older people admitted on an emergency basis face particular challenges. Merthyr Tydfil at 61.6% had the highest proportion of people aged 65+ admitted to hospital on an emergency basis in Wales.

Older People – Health, Social Care and Well-being

The Strategy for Older People in Wales published in January 2003 is celebrating the success of its sixth year and looking forward to phase two of a twenty year plan to improve the quality of life for older people.

A strategy for older people in Merthyr Tydfil is being developed.

SOME EXAMPLES OF ACTIONS AIMED TO ADDRESS THE ISSUES WHICH FACE OLDER PEOPLE IN MERTHYR TYDFIL

Several luncheon Clubs
Establishment of tea dances
Keep Well this winter promotions
Ageing Well Officer funded by Age Concern Morgannwg.
Establishment of a new strap line - “50+ with ALL to play for!”
The Development of a “Homes for Life” Strategy