The PCT's Later Years Health and Well being Strategy (2004) provides an overview of the health of seniors in Southampton, including the prevalence of conditions and disabilities.
Life expectancy is predicted to continue to rise due to improved living conditions and better health care. However, healthy and disability free life expectancies in Southampton are lower than the South East average.
Physical performance declines with age, including walking ability, balance and the ability to get out of a chair. 21% of women and 12% of men aged 65 and over are unable to carry out at least one activity of daily living.
Over 85% of over 65 year olds are not active enough to benefit their health. Participation in sport declines with age, as seniors often feel that only certain forms of exercise are suitable for them.
Alcohol consumption is considerably lower among people aged over 65 than for younger age groups, but seniors who do drink drink more frequently than younger people. Seniors are also less likely to smoke, although 67% of those over 50 are ex-smokers.
The prevalence of depression varies little with age, but is more prevalent among seniors reporting limiting long term illnesses, and those with mobility problems. 1 in 20 people over 65
has a form of dementia, rising to 1 in 5 people over 80.
Inequalities in health persist into later life. Under the age of 75, greater wealth is associated
with better health, although this association largely disappears after 75. Seniors in the poorest
households persist in having higher rates of physical impairment, and slower walking speed.
Inequalities are also present linked to ethnicity, due to variety of health related behaviours,
attributes, and differences in resources.
