At the age of 65, men and women in the South East live on average for a further 17 and 20 years respectively - and the good news is that more of these years are likely to be lived in good health and free from disability than in any other region of the country.
The report by the Association of Public Health Observatories, 'Indications of Public Health in the English Regions 9: Older People', presents data on a range of indicators which impact on the health and well-being of older people in England.
Many of the key indicators of older people's health and well-being in the region are positive. Rates of hospital admissions and deaths from diseases such as cancer, coronary heart disease and stroke, respiratory and digestive diseases are significantly below the national average.
However the picture is not all rosy. The South East has the highest percentage of people (28%) aged 65 and over who drink frequently (five or more days per week). Binge drinking (consumption of a large amount of alcohol in a short period of time) in the 65s and over is second highest (3.76%) compared to other regions (although this is not statistically significant). The South East also has the second highest hospital admission rate for depression among women aged 65 and over. It is important to note that nationally there are believed to be large numbers of people with undiagnosed depression.
Key findings include:
- Approximately 14.4% of men and 18.5% of women in the South East are aged 65 and over and 1.4% of men and 3.0% of women are aged 85 years and over. Both of these figures are higher than the national average.
- The percentage of smokers, and women who are overweight or obese in the region is significantly lower than the England average, whilst the proportion of older people who are physically active is above the England average.
Yvonne Doyle, South East Regional Director of Public Health said:
"Overall the report provides a positive picture of older people's health in the South East, although there are still areas for improvement. It is also important to note that this is a regional report and the health of older people is likely to vary considerably from one area to another within the South East region. In the face of an ever-increasing older population where demand and expectations are rising, we must continue to focus our efforts to promote active citizenship amongst older people. Alongside this, providing a physical and social environment that promotes the health and well-being of older people and ensuring that appropriate care for the older population is available, are also vital.
"These messages are reinforced in the South East England Health Strategy which will be published in February 2008."
Other findings of the report include:
- Compared to other regions, the South East has the highest proportion (22%) of excess winter deaths in those aged 65 and over (excess winter deaths are the extra number of people who die in winter months compared to non winter months). However, the regional rank order for excess winter deaths varies considerably from year to year and other published figures report that excess winter mortality in the South East is not significantly different from the England average. All regions follow the national pattern of increasing excess winter deaths with age. Factors contributing to excess winter deaths include poor housing, poverty and behavioural response to the cold;
- Hip replacements are carried out to relieve discomfort and disability caused by conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis of the hip. Across the country there has been an increase in the number of hip replacement operations compared to previous years. Compared to the national average, the rate of hip replacement in the South East in those aged over 65 is significantly higher for both men (429 per 100,000) and women (618 per 100,000);
- The percentage of men aged 65 and over who regularly participate in organised activities such as residents' groups, evening classes and Neighbourhood Watch schemes is higher than the England average;
- The percentage of older people who are unpaid carers is lowest in the South East region;
- Older people in London and the South East regions are most likely to be economically active;
- The South East has the lowest overall rate of burglaries almost half of the rates in London;
- In line with national trends the proportion of the population aged 65 and over in the South East has been progressively increasing, and most future population growth is expected to be in this age group. According to 2005 figures, 16% (8 million) of the English population were 65 years and over and 2% (1 million) were aged 85 years and over. In the South East 16.5 % of the population are aged 65 and over with 2.2% aged 85 and over. During the next 25 years in the South East, it is predicted that the population of people aged 65 and over will increase by 56% and will double (increase by 106%) among those 85 and over.
