What if we collaborate to keep people in later life connected?

This is a different blog this week, we normally talk about Leadership, give models and provide commentary – this blog by way of contrast invites not just leaders but everyone to consider how we help the older generation to keep in contact, be stimulated and feel part of the wider society – it is a call to action.

Captain Tom Moore has inspired this blog, he has raised over £27m for The NHS Charities and we are struck by how his story and activity has resonated with people across the world.  We are also struck how not just Captain Moore but many older people even before the Covid-19 crisis support the community and work in service of their fellow citizens.

There are 8,769,122 people over 70 in the UK. For these people, the risk presented by COVID 19 is significant and we know will mean they have social isolation restrictions for longer than the rest of the population. If that is what is needed to keep them safe from the virus then it is a drastic measure but one which is aimed at reducing the risk of infection. What about the unintended consequences of this intervention and what can we do to mitigate those?

According to the Aging Better Organisation older people tend to be more satisfied with life than the rest of us, they have time to enjoy life. If you think of some of the over 70’s you know many are leading a full life?  Activities include golfing, bowling, line dancing, joining choirs, church activities, holidays, generally spending time with friends and perhaps most importantly, many of them enjoy time with their grandchildren and may even be caring for them when parents are at work. So many of these satisfiers have been curtailed by the necessary restrictions. This generation do of course get on with things but there is a real risk of loneliness setting in especially for the 2 million over 75’s who are living alone.

Loneliness can lead to all kinds of complications. A deterioration in mental health and a serious decline in physical health too – we can’t let that happen.

In researching this blog, we were astonished to discover that in England there is no Minister of State for Older people. They do have a role in Scotland and in Wales and that seems right and important.

So far, in addition to the restrictions, the response has been to encourage communities to keep in touch with older people, check in to see if they need shopping and have a chat on the phone. It is great to see the community response and this is certainly a positive in this crisis, however is it enough and what more can we do?

In lockdown technology has helped many of us stay connected with family, friends and business. We have heard many people acknowledging that the digital life is getting them through a tough time. It is the ability in lockdown to replicate a sense of human connection and a sense of community that is so important to us.

Entertainment has been important too. There have been many activities aimed at entertaining and educating children.  The BBC and schools catering to educating, stimulating and entertaining children on line. Many Beavers, Cubs and Brownie groups have taken to zoom. Brilliant and a welcome support to home school parents up and down the land – It is not so clear how this is working for older people.

There are services that are filling this gap but we also need to recognise that some older people don’t have access to on line resources or are not so confident with navigating the technology to its full potential without someone there to show them. What if we could help that to the next level and get real energy into a bigger programme of support.

We suggest that we all consider our service rather than self.  Many older people can be self-depreciating about themselves “oh I’m just getting older” or “I lived through rationing…” and whilst true, we need recognition of their specific need and take this time to learn from their rich tapestry of experience.

So, what’s the big idea? We want to make sure all of our older folk living at home and especially those living alone have access to technology. We are not ignoring care homes but many of them are doing a great job and the big advantage for residents is that they have each other’s company. It is preventing the loneliness epidemic that concerns us.

Putting technology into the homes of all older people who don’t currently have it is a big ask, especially at a time of financial challenge and so we suggest collaboration is the way forward. What if the right people, with the right resources came together to make this happen.

Together let’s:

• Keeping them in touch with their families

• Put digital technology into older peoples’ hands,

• Getting them safely on line and connected,

• Guiding them through the technology,

• Providing mentally and physically stimulating content, and

• Developing new skills.

No one organisation can do this but we invite you to consider how you both personally and corporately are responding to the needs of our older generation, how can you supply tablets, connectivity, coaching and content – what collaborations do you need to make, who do you know, who can you talk to and how quickly can you make this happen?

Anne McCarthy is an experienced leader of change and transformation, supporting business with their people strategy. (+44) 7801 091538.

Murray Cook is experienced at leading change in complex situations and developing creative solutions to strategic challenges. (+44) 7547 504277.