Christian Council on ageing

for older people and their life of faith and hope.

   

A VOICE FOR OLDER PEOPLE AND THEIR LIFE OF FAITH AND HOPE

 

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Some facts

2nd January 2017 By GerryBurke

Those commonly described as ‘older people’ number over 10 million, and cover an age range of up to 40 years. Within such a large group there will be great differences not only in terms of age, but of family structure, social class, gender, sexuality, health,  income and wealth, housing, social contacts, employment status, retirement, and religious practices and beliefs.

To differentiate within this diversity, some people distinguish between active retired people up to about the age of 75 – the third age – and older people of 75 and over who are likely to need more care and support – the fourth age. Many voluntary associations, including churches, depend heavily on third-agers to run their activities.

Demographically, there has been a major shift over the last century. In 1900 people died in roughly equal proportions in all age groups: now the great majority survive to at least age 70, and much larger numbers live beyond 90 (a trend which is predicted to continue). While many of these are much healthier and more active than in previous centuries, the sheer weight of numbers of those who survive with degenerative conditions makes increasingly heavy demands on welfare and health services.

Men continue to die earlier than women, leaving a substantial gender imbalance by age 85.

Meanwhile, family structures have also changed. Since the first world war families have had fewer children than previously, though completed family size has varied: for example, many fewer children were born in the 1930s, against the ‘baby boom’ immediately following the second world war, which then repeated itself as those children reached child-bearing age in the late 1960s. Meanwhile, greater longevity means that four and even five generation families are becoming more common. A further demographic change has been the rising divorce rate. There were fears, once, that this would result in a reduction in family support for older people, but this has not been realised; family support seems to depend on a much wider range of variables relating to closeness of individual family members, though mother-daughter links are usually stronger than those between men. Despite popular stereotypes, family support remains strong, where it is feasible, though geographical mobility and, again, longevity – 70-year olds caring for 90-year olds – create problems. It is also worth remembering that the growth of ageing populations in western countries is far less an issue than it is in developing countries.

These are some of the facts about being older in Britain today.  The experience of being older is a very different matter, again affected by all the factors mentioned above.

For more statistics on Later Life in the UK, here’s AGE UK’s January 2019 Report

Filed Under: Being Older

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Speaking Out

There are some things which just have to be said.  We have to speak out because at the heart of the Christian message is our belief that God is not silent.  God has spoken through creation itself and the evolving universe; through the human story; through the dwelling of Jesus Christ in time; through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the Church and in each believer; through the inspiration of the scriptures; and through the wisdom and the teaching of the Church through the ages.

We use words all the time.  Words of welcome.  Words of wisdom.  Words of warmth.  Words of warning.  Words of wistfulness.  Our words are wasted if words are just words.   In the beginning was the Word.  And the Word was with God.  And the Word was God.  Through him all things came to be, not one thing had its being but through him.   The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. The Word made things happen.

As Christians, as followers of the Word, we do something about what we have heard.  Our own best words are our actions.

Please tell us what you would like us to Speak Out about by contacting:  info@ccoa.org.uk

 

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Comment & Opinion

Christians on Ageing cannot deal with every issue affecting the lives of older people but it can highlight those which are causing public debate or concern.  The charity’s first task is to identify these for its members and to provide information about the nature of the debate and the variety of views and opinions being proposed.  Unless members of Christians on Ageing have been canvassed for their views or the Executive Committee has taken a policy decision, the articles here are to be considered an exploration of the issues rather than a formal comment.  The nature of the contribution to the debate will always be made clear.

Some facts

Health & Social Care

The Churches’ pastoral care

Spirituality

Being Older

Reflect and Pray

Lead me from death to life, from falsehood to truth.  Lead me from despair to hope, from fear to trust.  Lead me from hope to love, from war to peace.  Let peace fill my heart, our world, our universe.

The noon prayer for peace

Prayers and Reflections

Postal Address

Ms Barbara Stephens
Honorary Secretary
Christians on Ageing
The Depozitory
23 Nelson Street
Ryde
Isle of Wight PO33 2EZ

 

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