Older Men at the Margins report published

The University of Bristol and Age UK have just finished a two-year study on the increasing numbers of older men experiencing loneliness. The new report calls for a better understand of the issues surrounding the problem and how to tackle the public health challenge.

The study finds that there are a variety of life events that trigger feelings of loneliness, this could be a health crisis, bereavement, or retirement. Women generally have better social networks to help to combat loneliness with men often dealing with loneliness in a different way.

Age UK Bristol was involved with a number of the workshops that were held in Bristol. Mark Baker, CEO of Age UK Bristol states “Age UK Bristol was proud to be part of this research. It helps us all better understand contributors to loneliness in older men and those groups particular at risk. We will incorporate the learning through our Age Friendly City programme where we work with older Bristolians and partner agencies to take actions to make Bristol a great place to live for young and old.”

Age UK has produced guidance for people working with older men as well as some videos about the work. You can find the guidance here.

Watch a video about Gay Men at the Margins here. You will hear from Mark Baker, CEO, and Sharifa Whitney James, LGBT Community Development Officer from Bristol Ageing Better on the video.

For more information about the study, please look at the University of Bristol website.

Age UK Bristol is a local independent charity working so that everyone in Bristol can love later life. We do this by supporting and empowering older people, helping other organisations to work together, and championing the interests of older people in the city.

Please get in touch if you have any questions. You can email Jen at fundraising@ageukbristol.org.uk or call 0117 929 7537.