WHO IS AFFECTED AND HOW?

WHO IS AFFECTED AND HOW?

In Western Bay we do not yet measure the contribution that older people make to the region, for example, we do not know how many hours of volunteering they undertake or the contribution they make to their communities. This has been identified as a gap in the population assessment and further work should be undertaken to explore this.

One of the first signs that an older person is beginning to lose the ability to live independently is their ability to perform domestic tasks such as keeping their home clean and tidy, dressing themselves and preparing meals

THE PROJECTION DATA PRODUCED BY DAFFODIL INDICATES THAT IN 2020 IN WESTERN BAY:

OLDER PEOPLE ARE AFFECTED IN A NUMBER OF WAYS:

DEMENTIA

Dementia is more common as people age

In 2015, approximately 6,979 people in Western Bay had a diagnosis of dementia. By 2030, this is predicted to rise by 48% to 10,295.

HOUSING

The type of housing tenure is important in terms of its suitability for an aging population

2008 Housing Tenure for those aged 65 and over

Owner-Occupied

Local-Authority

Housing Association

Private Rented

LIVING ALONE

Loneliness and social isolation can lead to a number of physical and health problems such as depressive symptoms and increased risk of premature mortality

In Western Bay, in 2020 the projected population aged 65 and over is 111,060, of those it is predicted that 50,364 (45.3%) will be living alone. At 11.10% the percentage of females aged 65 and over living alone is more than double that of males (4.55%). This will have a noticeable impact on housing.

FALLS

Approximately one in three people over the age of 65 will suffer a fall each year.

People aged 65 and over predicted to be admitted to hospital because of a fall (Western Bay)

2015

2030

EXCESS WINTER DEATHS

The Excess Winter Deaths index compares the number of deaths that occur in the current winter period with the average number of deaths occurring in the preceding months in the same year. These excess deaths are greatest in older people.

In the period 2010- 2013, the average annual number of excess winter deaths in Western Bay was 270, deaths in winter were 18.9% higher compared with other months of the year.

HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS

Older people are major users of hospital care and are the most likely age group to be admitted in an emergency. In Western Bay the rate of admissions in the most deprived communities is 35% higher than in our least deprived communities.

ALCOHOL

Older people are at risk of alcohol misuse following major life changes.

In Western Bay, it is projected that by 2020 approximately 11,337 people aged 65 and over will binge drink.

DELAYED TRANSFERS OF CARE

A delayed transfer of care occurs when an adult inpatient in a hospital is ready to go home or move to a less acute stage of care but is prevented from doing so.

The rate of people delayed (stuck) in hospital for social care reasons in 2013-2014 is lower in ABMU Health Board than the Welsh average. In 2013-2014 a higher rate of older people, aged 65 and over were receiving social care support compared to the Wales average.

HEART CONDITIONS

Heart attacks are more likely the older people get.

CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD)

COPD is commonly caused by smoking and can reduce the ability for a person to exercise which can lead to obesity and associated risks as well as a general decline in wellbeing.

It is projected in Western Bay that by 2020 there will be 1,863 people aged 65 and over with a long term health condition caused by bronchitis and/or emphysema.

STROKE

A serious, life-threatening and life changing condition – most people affected are over 65.

In Western Bay, by 2020 it is predicted that 8,691 people aged 65 and over will have received treatment for a stroke.

CANCER

Nearly two thirds of cancer diagnosis occur in the over 65s and one third in people aged 75 and over. By 2020 the incidence of new cancer cases in Western Bay in people over 65 are projected to be 2,380.

OBESITY

The British Medical Journal reports that the prevalence of obesity among elderly people in the United Kingdom is higher than among younger people, with almost three quarters of those aged between 65 and 74 classed as obese or overweight.

In Western Bay, by 2020 it is projected that 99,840 people aged 65 and over will be obese.

DIABETES

A consequence of a population living longer, combined with the trend for the weight of the population to increase their levels of physical activity to decrease is the rise in the incidences of diabetes.

In Western Bay, by 2020 it is projected that there will be 32,013 people aged 65 and over with diabetes. Approximately 8,930 people in Bridgend, 8,752 in Neath Port Talbot and 14,331 in Swansea.

CONTINENCE

Incontinence can have a big impact on an individual’s ability and confidence to live a normal live.

In Western Bay it is estimated that in 2020 approximately 18,208 people aged 65 and over will have a bladder problem , at least once a week. A total of 5,012 in Bridgend, 4,955 in Neath Port Talbot and 8,241 in Swansea.