Anchor’s Grey Matters campaign highlights people’s fears surrounding ageing

Marking the launch of its new Grey Matters campaign, care charity Anchor has released figures highlighting the main worries and fears people over the age of 55 have about ageing.

The loss of independence and worries about affording care were the most popular fears shared by people taking part in the study.

The YouGov research survey found 44 per cent of over 55s had never taken time to put thought into their care options for later life.

Of the 2,362 people surveyed, eight per cent believed they were too young to think about care and 20 per cent said they didn’t want to think about the possibility of needing care in the future.

Jo Hemmings, an independent behavioural psychologist, has backed the new campaign by Anchor which aims to provide information and help those looking into the care options available to them.

She said: “As a nation we’re taking a gamble as we get older. Too many people are putting off thinking about their retirement living and care options, and we’re not having conversations with the people we most trust to make decisions for us.

“In my experience, families can be afraid to talk about later life because they are concerned about ‘worrying their children’. They worry that talking about a situation makes it immediate and ‘real’, but the emotional benefits of talking far outweigh the alternatives.

“It’s much easier to talk about life changing decisions when you’re not faced with an immediate crisis – and talking earlier means you are more likely to get what you want in the long run. It’s time to think about it, talk about and plan for it now.”

A fifth of people admitted they would put off taking action to address their care needs even if their need for care became vital.

To address these findings, a guide offering extra support on entering retirement and planning for care has been produced by Ms Hemmings and Anchor, providing tips on how to start conversations about care with friends and family members.

Jane Ashcroft, chief executive of Anchor, said: “Older age should be a time for celebration and enjoying the fruits of your labour, but people are missing out because they aren’t thinking early enough about how they want to live in later life.

“It’s worth exploring the full range of retirement options, from retirement villages to leasehold or sheltered housing, where you can live independently and have care options should you need them.

“It’s never too early to talk to your loved ones about the future, and work out what’s right for you. It’s only by planning that your retirement dreams will become reality.”

For more information please visit: www.anchor.org.uk/greymatters