Latest news with #EnglishLongitudinalStudyofAgeing
Daily Maverick
27-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Maverick
Wealth, wellness and wellbeing: why healthier ageing isn't just about personal choices
Older adults in the UK's wealthiest bracket are nearly twice as likely to eat well, stay active and avoid depression. We've all heard it before: eat your five-a-day, and try to get some exercise. It's advice that's simple in theory, yet in practice, not everyone is able to follow it. So what's standing in the way? Our research examined this question in depth. Using data from UK adults over the age of 50, we explored how socioeconomic status affects the likelihood of meeting the World Health Organisation's recommendations for physical activity and diet. These guidelines include at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity (or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity) physical activity per week and a daily intake of at least five portions of fruit and vegetables. What we found points to a clear and concerning disparity. Wealthier older adults are nearly twice as likely to meet both exercise and dietary recommendations compared to their less affluent peers. And perhaps even more striking, those who don't meet these health guidelines are significantly more likely to suffer from depression. We analysed survey responses from more than 3,000 adults aged 50 to 90, using data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. While nearly 70% of participants reported doing some form of physical activity, the data revealed a sharp wealth divide. Adults in the highest wealth quintile (the top 20%) were almost twice as likely to be physically active as those in the lowest quintile. A similar pattern emerged for diet. Over 70% of those in the wealthiest group reported meeting the five-a-day guideline, compared to just over 40% in the lowest income bracket. This matters because not meeting government guidelines for physical activity and diet can have serious long-term health consequences. Regular exercise is known to increase HDL (or 'good') cholesterol, improve cardiovascular health, and reduce the risk of chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. It also benefits brain health by lowering inflammation and even promoting the growth of new brain cells. Similarly, diets rich in fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants – found in fruits and vegetables – are associated with lower the risks of disease and cognitive decline, including conditions like Alzheimer's. Depression disparity But the impact isn't just physical. Our research also explored links between lifestyle and mental health. Around 19% of participants met the criteria for clinical depression, with the highest risk found among women, people living alone, smokers and those with lower incomes. Alarmingly, rates of depression were nearly three times higher among those in the lowest wealth quintile (32.6% were depressed) compared to those in the highest (11.1%). Lifestyle clearly played a role in depression levels. Among inactive participants, 30% reported symptoms of depression – more than double the rate seen in those who were physically active (13.7%). Likewise, those who didn't meet the five-a-day guideline had a depression rate of 23.4%, compared to 15.7% among those who did. These results suggest that staying physically active and eating well not only improves physical health but may also play a protective role in mental wellbeing. Yet not everyone has equal access to the resources, time, or environments that support healthy living. There is also the role of social isolation as a compounding factor. Social disconnection is strongly linked to both poor physical and mental health, including depression and even increased mortality risk. Physical activity programmes that also offer social interaction, such as walking groups or community exercise classes, may provide even greater benefits. Healthy ageing for everyone The evidence shows that health disparities in later life are deeply tied to wealth and socioeconomic status. This means that addressing them requires more than encouraging personal responsibility – it calls for policy action. Financial barriers to healthy food and physical activity need to be tackled through targeted programmes, subsidies and infrastructure investments. Making healthy options accessible and affordable – especially for those in lower-income groups – will benefit people and reduce strain on healthcare systems. As populations continue to age, promoting health in later life is a public health priority. But that effort will only succeed if it recognises – and works to reduce – the inequalities that hold people back from living healthy, fulfilling lives. DM
Sky News
12-02-2025
- Health
- Sky News
Older people in England happier and more satisfied now than before COVID, researchers say
Older people are "happier, more satisfied, and have a greater sense of purpose" than before the COVID-19 pandemic, a study has found. Experts analysed data from a long-term study, the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, tracking the wellbeing of 3,999 people aged 50 in England over time. The researchers found that those surveyed reported that their happiness, eudaemonic wellbeing - which measures whether life feels worthwhile - and life satisfaction all plummeted during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Paola Zaninotto, professor of medical and social statistics at UCL's Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, said "remarkably" people reported higher happiness, wellbeing and satisfaction since then. "As many would expect, we found that wellbeing declined during the pandemic, and instances of depression rose," she said. "While depression is still slightly more prevalent than before 2020, remarkably, overall older people are now happier, more satisfied and have a greater sense of purpose than before the pandemic." The study did find levels of depression among the 50-year-olds surveyed have not returned to pre-pandemic levels. Around 11.4% reported depressive symptoms before COVID-19, which rose to 27.2% in late 2020. Post-pandemic, the study found levels of depression had fallen to 14.9% - still above pre-COVID figures. Ms Zaninotto added that "the pandemic had a profound effect on the wellbeing of older people in England," but added "we can only speculate on the reasons" why those surveyed reported feeling better after COVID-19. "It perhaps could reflect a renewed appreciation for social connections and meaningful activities, as well as increased psychological resilience after a period of adversity," she said. "Improved health security following widespread vaccinations could also have contributed to this positive shift. "We saw marked differences by age and affluence, underscoring the importance of tailored support policies for the immediate and lingering effects of pandemics on the well-being of our older population." The study was published in the journal Aging and Mental Health.
The Independent
12-02-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Older generations happier now than pre-Covid, study finds
Older adults in England have reported elevated levels of happiness, life satisfaction, and purpose compared to pre-pandemic times, according to new research. Experts suggest that navigating the Covid-19 crisis may have fostered a renewed appreciation for social connections and meaningful activities for the older generation. The findings come from an analysis of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, which tracks the wellbeing of individuals aged 50 and over. While the study reveals a positive shift in overall wellbeing, researchers also noted that depression rates remain slightly higher than pre-2020 levels. This suggests a complex picture of post-pandemic mental health among older adults, with increased happiness and purpose coexisting alongside lingering mental health challenges. Figures from 3,999 people show that self reported ratings for happiness; eudaemonic wellbeing – which measures whether a life feels worthwhile; and life satisfaction all plummeted during the pandemic. But they found that all aspects of positive wellbeing improved in a statistically significant way post-pandemic. And measures tracking eudaemonic wellbeing and life satisfaction were significantly higher than before the pandemic. By contrast, levels of depression among the group have not returned to pre-pandemic levels. Some 11.4 per cent reported depressive symptoms before Covid-19 and during the pandemic this short up to 27.2 per cent in late 2020. But the latest measures show that post-pandemic levels of depression fell to 14.9 per cent among the group studied, according to the study which has been published in the journal Aging and Mental Health. 'Our research showed that the pandemic had a profound effect on the well-being of older people in England,' said study lead author Paola Zaninotto, professor of medical and social statistics at UCL's Department of Epidemiology and Public Health. 'As many would expect, we found that well-being declined during the pandemic, and instances of depression rose. 'While depression is still slightly more prevalent than before 2020, remarkably, overall older people are now happier, more satisfied and have a greater sense of purpose than before the pandemic. 'We can only speculate on the reasons for this. It perhaps could reflect a renewed appreciation for social connections and meaningful activities, as well as increased psychological resilience after a period of adversity. 'Improved health security following widespread vaccinations could also have contributed to this positive shift. 'We saw marked differences by age and affluence, underscoring the importance of tailored support policies for the immediate and lingering effects of pandemics on the well-being of our older population.' Figures from the Office for National Statistics' National Wellbeing Dashboard show that between July and September 2024, around one in 20 (4.7 per cent) of UK adults report they have low levels of satisfaction with their lives. A smaller proportion (3.6 per cent) gave a rating of 'low' when asked how worthwhile they feel the things they do in life are. Meanwhile, 7.7 per cent rated their happiness the previous day as 'low'. More adults in the UK reported feeling 'high anxiety yesterday' in July to September 2024 (22.5 per cent) compared to July to September 2019 (20.4 per cent). And the proportion of adults in the UK reporting some evidence of depression or anxiety has increased in the long term, according to the ONS. Some 22.6 per cent reported some evidence of depression or anxiety in 2022 to 2023, compared to 19.7 per cent in 2017 to 2018.
The Guardian
12-02-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Life satisfaction among over-50s in England higher than before pandemic, study finds
People 50 and over in England have greater life satisfaction and sense life is more worthwhile than before the Covid pandemic, although depression is more common, researchers have found. Prof Paola Zaninotto, first author of the research from University College London, said the study showed wellbeing and mental health worsened between the early stages of the pandemic and later in 2020, contrary to some reports. However, this situation subsequently improved. 'It is good to see the positive wellbeing has gone back to normal or even better than normal,' Zaninotto said, although levels of depression in older adults still higher than before the pandemic suggest more help is needed, she added. Writing in the journal Aging & Mental Health, Zaninotto and colleagues report how they analysed data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing – a continuing research project involving a nationally representative group of people aged 50 and older. In particular, they looked at survey data collected before the pandemic, in mid 2020 and then late 2020, and again from late 2021 onwards, allowing researchers to explore the psychological impact of the crisis. The results, based on responses from about 4,000 participants, reveal levels of happiness, life satisfaction and the feeling life is worthwhile all fell as the pandemic began, with a further decrease in late 2020. However these levels bounced back in subsequent surveys, with the average scores for life satisfaction and a sense that life is worthwhile higher than before the pandemic. By contrast the estimated proportion of participants with depression increased in the early stages of the pandemic, climbing from 11.4% to 19.3%, before rising to 27.2% in late 2020. While prevalence fell in subsequent surveys it remained above pre-pandemic levels at 14.9%. The team found rebounds in positive wellbeing and depression were generally less pronounced among those aged 75 and over, while measures of positive wellbeing were consistently lower for participants aged 50–59 at all time points compared with older groups. Participants in their 50s also experienced the greatest increase in the estimated prevalence of depression during the height of the pandemic. 'There are lots of midlife stressors for this age group, including, for example, financial responsibilities,' said Zaninotto, adding people in their 50s also often experience work and caring-related pressures. The researchers add the prevalence of depression was consistently higher, and measures of positive wellbeing consistently lower, in the poorest participants, during all waves of the survey. However declines in positive wellbeing during the height of the pandemic were greatest for those in medium- and high-wealth groups, with these groups also showing a greater rebound in later surveys. 'We speculated that is probably because they couldn't do the things that maybe brought them more satisfaction or happiness, such as going to theatre, socialising and all that, whereas the people [who are] less affluent don't have as much of those things so maybe they, in terms of disruption to their lifestyle, didn't suffer as much,' said Zaninotto. Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said 'It is encouraging, and perhaps unsurprising, that as the pandemic receded, older people felt more psychologically well.' But she said it was concerning that the study suggested the older you are, the smaller the improvements in positive wellbeing and rates of depression, and that, in general, rates of depression in older people were above pre-pandemic levels. She also highlighted a previous Age UK report that your chances of being treated for mental health problems reduces in later life. 'This report is a reminder that there is a lot to be positive about in later life, despite stereotypes about decline and misery,' Abrahams said. 'However, we must also take mental health in older people seriously, making sure that those that can benefit from treatment are able to access it.'
