Always On Call, Always Concerned

Of the UK‟s approximately six million carers, around half are aged over 50. A recent survey of carers inEnglandshowed that people near or over retirement age undertake a high proportion of caring. Although on average, 12% of the population provide unpaid care for a friend or family member, this increases to 18% for those aged 55–64, 16% for those aged 65–74 and 13% for those aged 75 and above.

This comes at a time when others, who do not have caring responsibilities, are planning their retirement, looking forward to long put-off activities, getting involved in their local communities or enjoying their grandchildren. Others, perhaps into their retirement, are enjoying time for themselves, winding down and taking things a little easier as they get older.

“We cannot have a retirement like other people do – there’s always a timetable to stick to.”

For many older carers, planning or enjoying their retirement is simply not an option. At a time when their own heath may be deteriorating, many find themselves exhausted and constantly anxious, rarely getting a break from caring. Carers aged 60–69 often juggle caring – perhaps for more than one person, for example a parent and an adult son or daughter – with the demands of work and financial pressures while those aged 70 and above often find it difficult to cope with the physical demands of caring. For those caring for a partner, the change to a relationship can be hard to adjust to. As well as the daily stress of caring, a feeling of loss – of a relationship or of precious time – can cause great distress. Almost all carers feel frustrated when health professionals do not involve them as a full partner in care. Almost all worry about what the future will hold for them and the person they care for.

The Princess Royal Trust for Carers carried out a survey in early 2011 of carers aged 60 and over from across theUK, to find out more about their lives and the challenges they face.

To download the full report please click here