Home truths about how we must learn to treat the elderly

THE UK's population is ageing faster than you might realise. Around 13 million people, nearly one in five, are now aged over 65. And by 2050, that figure will be a quarter. Cognitive problems, failing eyesight and poor mobility mean hundreds of thousands of Britons will feel they have to leave their homes for retirement flats or join the 440,000 residents of care homes.

- Prof Glenda Cook

But this may be a bad idea for many of them - and for society as a whole. Health Secretary Wes Streeting appears to agree, having just announced plans to funnel more NHS funds to social care, partly to get people out of hospitals and into care in local communities including at home.

It sounds laudable, but demands a shift. Families, government and communities need to change their preconceptions of where older people live and focus on helping them age in the comfort of their own places.

More than 40% of people think their home is crucial to their mental health. Around six in 10 would be "devastated" if they had to move out.

Indeed, leaving the place you have lived in for years can have serious impacts.

YOUR home may be brimming with happy memories. Your garden may boast flower beds or trees you planted. The furniture and decorations that mean so much to you might not fit into another, smaller property, even a purpose-built one.