Do over 50s feel less valued as they reach later life?

New research has highlighted the plight many people experience when it comes to growing older in the UK, evaluating their connection with where they live, their local community and how older people are perceived by the media.

The research also highlights how 1 in 4 people (27%) say they feel less valued in their community as they age, while a fifth (21%) said they felt treated negatively because of their age.

The research, released to mark the campaign’s national anti-ageism Action Day (Wednesday 20 March 2024) highlights how just half (58%) of people in the UK aged 50+ believe that their local community was a good place to enjoy later life. This can be down to several factors, however, over a third (39%) of this age group did not feel sufficiently represented and heard in relation to changes and developments where they live.

Aston spoke to Carole Easton, CEO for The Centre for Ageing Better.