Age UK comment on upcoming advice for older people to stay at home

Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK said: “Many people will be deeply shocked at the news which has broken today about the four months quarantine.  But if the science is clear that it’s what is necessary to save many older people’s lives then it must be the right thing to do for those aged over 70.

“We will all need to step up and help older people get through it in what is going to be several months of real national emergency.  Some older people can rely on great support from their families but not everyone is so lucky so we’re going to need to put some infrastructure in place and fast to help them get through.

“Age UK is working on that now as are other charities - and we are already supporting many older people and that needs to continue as well.  Age UK and The Silver Line are determined to continue to be there for older people throughout the period to come.

“For now if you were planning to have lunch with the grandparents there’s no reason not to.  But keep a bit more distance, preferably at least a metre apart, no kissing and hugging sadly and those hand hygiene practices are incredibly important.

“Now is not the time to back off our older population, who need our love and support more than ever.  Do provide reassurance and now’s a good time to make a plan together as a family.  And for everyone else now is also a great time to look out for older neighbours, especially if they seem to be on their own and help to provide support in the weeks and months to come.”

Notes to editors:

Age UK is a national charity that works with a network of partners, including Age Scotland, Age Cymru, Age NI and local Age UKs across England, to help everyone make the most of later life, whatever their circumstances.

In the UK, the Charity helps more than seven million older people each year by providing advice and support.  It also researches and campaigns on the issues that matter most to older people. Its work focuses on ensuring that older people: have enough money; enjoy life and feel well; receive high quality health and care; are comfortable, safe and secure at home; and feel valued and able to participate.

Age UK’s subsidiary charity, Age International, supports older people globally in over 30 developing countries by funding programmes such as vital emergency relief and healthcare and campaigning to raise awareness and change policies.

Age UK is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England (registered charity number 1128267 and registered company number 6825798). Charitable services are provided through Age UK and commercial products are offered by the Charity’s Community Interest Company (CiC) (registered company number 1102972) which donates its net profits to Age UK (the Charity)

Age UK

We work with our national partners, Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI and our local Age UK partners in England (together the Age UK Family). 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 believes that everyone should have the opportunity to make the most of later life, whatever their circumstances. We provide free information, advice and support to over six 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.

Age UK is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England (registered charity number 1128267 and company number 6825798). Age Concern England and Help the Aged (both registered charities), and their trading and other associated companies merged on the 1st April 2009. Together they have formed the Age UK Group ("we"). 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).