Britons worry about discussing loss of independence

Britons worry about discussing loss of independence in later life

• 61% of today's over 65 year olds worry about losing independence
• 53% find loss of independence a difficult subject to discuss

According to new research* from Age UK Personal Alarms, 61% of today's over 65 year olds worry about losing their independence. In addressing this, a quarter (28%) of over 65 year olds have discussed the issue of independence and their wishes with their families. However 53% of over 65s either put off talking about it or find it altogether too awkward a subject matter to discuss.

For the vast majority the ability to stay at home for as long as possible is important with 68% saying they would wish to remain living in their own home should they lose their independence. In terms of facilitating this, close to a third (32%) of those surveyed think that better provision of local services, such as public transport and services to provide support with care at home are crucial. Additionally, over a quarter (29%) think aids and adaptations that help people maintain independence in their home for longer, such as stair lifts and personal alarms, are also key.

Gordon Morris, Managing Director of Age UK Personal Alarms, said:

'The issue of how we maintain independent lives as we grow older is relevant to us all, whatever our circumstances. It is important that individuals, friends and family involved are aware of all the options available that can help make this happen and that they feel comfortable discussing these.'

Age UK has a range of independence aids available, including the Age UK Personal Alarm and other independent living aids such as the Age UK Stairlift, as well as information and advice on living independently. You can find out more online at www.ageuk.org.uk/mobility, or alternatively call on 0800 022 4026 or pop into your local Age UK.

Ends

For further information, please contact Ellie Pocock or Rachel Finlay on 0207 360 7877 or ageuk@teamspiritpr.com.

Notes to editors

* Research commissioned from OnePoll Research on behalf of Age UK Enterprises. An online poll consisted of a sample size of 2000 of the 18+ age group of which 1,250 consisted of the 55+ age group. Fieldwork was undertaken in August 2014. Figures were weighted to be nationally representative of the GB population aged 18yrs+.

Age UK

For media enquiries relating to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland please contact the appropriate national office: Age Scotland on 0131 668 8055, Age Cymru on 029 2043 1562 and Age NI on 028 9024 5729.

We provide free information, advice and support to over five million people; commercial products and services to over one million customers; and research and campaign on the issues that matter to people in later life. Our work focuses on five key areas: money matters, health and well-being, home and care, work and training and leisure and lifestyle. We work with our national partners, Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI (together the Age UK Family), our local Age UK partners in England and local Age Concerns. We also work internationally for people in later life as a member of the DEC and with our sister charity Help Age International.

Age UK is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England (registered charity number 1128267 and company number 6825798).). Charitable services are offered through Age UK and commercial products are offered by the Charity's trading companies, which donate their net profits to Age UK (the Charity).

Age UK Enterprises

To fund its charitable activities, Age UK needs a constant flow of independent income. It seeks to achieve this through a balance of traditional fund raising and trading activities.

The trading activities, through Age UK Enterprises enable it to meet the needs of older people, through products specifically designed to meet these needs; quality products such as general insurance and energy services. Age UK Enterprises is the commercial services arm of Age UK.

For more information about the products and services offered by Age UK Enterprises please visit our website by logging on to www.ageuk.org.uk/products

Age UK Enterprises Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for insurance mediation (311438) and to introduce potential annuity customers. Age UK Enterprises Limited is registered in England and Wales No. 3156159, registered office: 7th Floor, One America Square, London, EC3N 2LB. Registered charity number 1128267. VAT Number: 710 3843 66. Age UK Enterprises Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Age UK (registered charity No. 1128267 and registered company No. 06825798) and donates its net profits to Age UK.

Age UK Personal Alarms

Age UK's personal alarm service summons help, at the touch of a button. Over 40,000 people throughout the UK rely on the emergency alarm service. Users are not exclusively older people; some have a physical disability, or a chronic condition such as epilepsy or diabetes, some are recovering from illness, while others are more concerned for their security than their health. For more information visit www.ageuk.org.uk/alarm

The Age UK Personal Alarm costs from £69 plus £45.10 per quarter*. This includes full maintenance and replacement. If you would like more information visit

*For self installation option only. Billing takes place on a quarterly basis