Review on inequalities in later life

Inequalities in life expectancy, health, psychosocial wellbeing, social connections, financial stability and living environment all vary between different groups and in general increase for the most vulnerable in society.

Ageing Better is dedicated to ensuring that its work has both broad impact but also focusses on those most at risk of missing out on a good later life. Newcastle University Institute for Ageing and ILC-UK will therefore scope the evidence on the scale, nature and influences of inequalities in later life. The vital piece of foundational research will help to underpin the design of Ageing Better’s work, enabling better insights into the areas where inequalities are greatest, and also an understanding of what is known about the most promising opportunities to intervene to narrow these disparities.

The causes of inequalities in later life are complex, inter-related, and challenging to eliminate. Current research into the scale, nature and influences of these inequalities is wide-ranging, but is of varied quality and quantity, with few areas studied to the same depth as health and income. Newcastle University Institute for Ageing and ILC-UK will therefore provide a robust review of the available research and data and will draw conclusions about its quality and strength. The submission of the final review will be during February 2017.

Newcastle University Institute for Ageing and ILC-UK were appointed after responding to the Invitation to Tender issued by Ageing Better in March.

“All our work is rooted in evidence on what matters to people as they prepare for and experience later life. This major review will help us support those who are most at risk of missing out on a good later life. We would like to thank everyone who responded to the Invitation to Tender, and we look forward to working with Newcastle University and ILC-UK.”

Centre for Ageing Better’s Later Life in 2015 study highlighted that there is a wide variation in how people experience later life. Find out more about the different groups of people aged 50 and over by reading our report.

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Newcastle University Institute for Ageing

The Newcastle University Institute for Ageing responds to challenges and opportunities that are associated with increasing human longevity. It undertakes research at a biological, psychosocial, political and environmental level, and works with partners and collaborators to ensure that this interdisciplinary research is used to positively affect society.

International Longevity Centre – UK (ILC-UK)

ILC-UK is a futures organisation focussed on some of the biggest challenges facing Government and society in the context of demographic change.

Much of its work is directed at the highest levels of Government and the civil service, both in London and Brussels. It has a reputation as a respected think tank which works, often with key partners, to inform important decision-making processes.

Its policy remit is broad, and covers everything from pensions and financial planning, to health and social care, housing design, and age discrimination. It works primarily with central government, but also actively build relationships with local government, the private sector and relevant professional and academic associations.