Older people and mental health

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About this factsheet

Introduction

Life changes
Retirement
Bereavement

Keeping healthy and staying active
Physical activity and mental well-being
Diet and nutrition for physical and mental well-being
Sleep
Social life
Family life
Staying mentally active - learning opportunities
Sexuality
Spirituality

Mental health issues
Depression
Dementia
Depression or dementia?
Other mental health problems

Diverse groups
Black and minority ethnic older people
Older lesbians, gay men and bisexuals

Older people and caring
Older people as care givers
Older people as care receivers
Financial help

Further reading
Useful organisations

About this factsheet

This factsheet explores how older people can maintain good mental health and provides information on mental distress, with an emphasis on the issues that may affect older people. It is written for older people but is also relevant to their carers, relatives and friends.

The factsheet also includes details of other publications that may be useful and other organisations that may be able to provide further information and support (see ‘Useful organisations’).

Throughout this factsheet ‘older people’ refers to those aged 65 and over; however, many of the issues covered, such as retirement, may be relevant to people under 65 years.

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Introduction

Growing old is a natural process that produces a range of reactions in different people. You may feel positive about it, you may feel some dread or anxiety; others have mixed feelings.

Older people can live in a way that protects and promotes their mental health in the context of social and personal wellbeing, just like other age groups. Some of the information in this factsheet may be familiar; some of it may help to break down negative myths about old age and mental health. We hope this factsheet draws attention to useful resources and ideas that can help people to make the most of later life.

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Life changes

Retirement

It is easy to underestimate the impact that retirement can have. Work is often central to life, providing not only an income and a structure to the day, but also a sense of purpose, status and perhaps a social network. Some people look forward to retirement for many years, planning details of their retirement and finding out about the opportunities that retirement can offer; for others, it is a huge challenge.

Retirement ages have traditionally been 60 for women and 65 for men. (The retirement age for women will rise to 65 in April 2020). However, since the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations came into force in 2006, it has become easier for people to challenge forced retirement at any age. Age Concern and the Equality and Human Rights Commission can provide advice on this (see ‘Useful organisations’).

What are the likely adverse effects of retirement?
Retirement rates are high on the scale of stressful life events, along with bereavement and divorce. Even those who look forward to retirement can experience mixed feelings, including feeling numb, sad, rejected or depressed. Those who have been made redundant or pressured into early retirement may feel shocked, hurt and angry, as well as afraid of what the future may hold.

Some people have feelings of joy and freedom at the start of retirement, only to find that these are replaced after a few weeks by feelings of boredom, low self-esteem and emptiness. Society’s attitudes to older people can contribute to low morale.

Retirement can have an impact on relationships, and many couples take a while to adjust to the reality of spending larger amounts of time together. Anxiety about the future and maintaining a standard of living is also common.

What opportunities can retirement offer?
Depending on the individual, life during retirement may be more or less similar to earlier life in terms of occupations, interests and aims. However, most people find that they have far more free time during retirement, even if they had not previously been in full-time employment. This increase in leisure time can be used to pursue social, intellectual and spiritual development.

Some employers provide a retirement preparation programme; these usually consist of seminars, workshops and useful information for future reference.

Most older people, no less than younger adults, find that it is important to keep or develop interests, to stay (or become more) physically active, and to develop a regular structure to their day. Age Concern produces a range of resources aimed at equipping older people to make the most of their retirement. These cover all aspects of retirement, including finances, travel and holidays, health and community involvement. A key step can be to decide on goals and to plan towards them. It is useful to consider a variety of ideas and discuss them with family and friends, to work out a suitable ‘picture’ of the future.

Ageism
Ageism within Western society has led to a prevalent belief that quality of life inevitably declines with age. This need not be the case, and organisations such as Age Concern and Help the Aged (which will merge in April 2009) are campaigning to ensure that the potential of the retirement years is more widely recognised. Old age, like every other stage of life, has its specific challenges, but these can be addressed by older people themselves, with the help of friends, family and supportive organisations. Much lies within the power of older people, individually and collectively, to make their retirement a comfortable and fulfilling stage of life.

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Bereavement

Bereavement and loss are an inevitable part of life. However, older people are more likely to experience the loss of people close to them, such as a partner, family members or friends.

Grief may come out in many different ways, often with powerful, frightening and confusing feelings. There is a usual pattern of emotional progress through grief, starting with disbelief or denial, moving through guilt and anger and culminating in acceptance and peace. Of course, no two people’s experiences of bereavement are alike, and many complex factors influence the grieving process. Attempting to avoid grief can lead to mental distress further down the line, as well as having an impact on day-to-day life.

Coping with bereavement
Talking to friends and family who knew the person who has died can help. Alternatively, support may be available from a community nurse, health visitor or social worker, or from places of worship.

Family doctors who cared for the person during their last illness may be able to help – they are familiar with the reality of death and how it can affect people and they may therefore be good people to talk to. Doctors can also make a referral for counselling, or may offer medication such as minor tranquillisers or antidepressants. Although these drugs can ease the symptoms of mental distress caused by bereavement, they do not address the cause of the symptoms. These drugs have some adverse effects, and minor tranquillisers can be addictive and should be taken for short periods only.

Mind has published a booklet, Understanding bereavement. Other organisations that provide support during bereavement are listed under ‘Useful organisations’.

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Keeping healthy and staying active

Physical activity and mental well-being

Physical activity has many positive benefits for both physical and mental health, particularly for specific conditions such as depression. The wider benefits of physical activity are also described in the Mind guide to physical activity.

Our physical ability changes as we age. Age Concern has published a factsheet, Staying healthy in later life, which gives detailed information on these changes, as well as advice on how to keep or become physically active in later life. Local branches of Age Concern can provide information about activities, many of which will be aimed specifically at older people.

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Diet and nutrition for physical and mental wellbeing

Eating well is key to feeling healthy, staying physically active for longer, protection against illness and reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Regular eating patterns are important to keep well and to maintain energy levels. Missing meals or eating unhealthily can result in tiredness and depression and a greater sensitivity to cold. The link between nutrition and mental health is complex – more can be found in the Mind guide to food and mood, and Age Concern’s factsheet Your guide to healthy living.

Although many older people have been preparing tasty, nourishing meals for themselves and others over many years, they may face challenges to eating regular healthy meals in later life, such as decreased appetite, lack of transport to shops and services, or living alone, perhaps after the death of a partner or spouse who had been responsible for preparing meals.

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Sleep

Many people have difficulty sleeping, and these problems can get worse with age. The amount of sleep we need naturally declines after the age of 50, and the average length of sleep each night may fall to six hours or fewer.

Although the occasional night without sleep does no lasting harm, ongoing insomnia or sleep disturbance can lead to tiredness, irritability and difficulty concentrating. Long-term lack of sleep can be either a cause or a symptom of a mental health problem such as depression or anxiety, and should be discussed with a GP, who can help identify the problem and possible solutions, or refer for further assessment if necessary.

Mind has published two useful booklets, How to cope with sleep problems and Making sense of sleeping pills and minor tranquillisers.

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Social life

The retirement years can bring a welcome release from some of the social commitments and obligations of earlier life. Indeed, many older people find that time spent alone does not necessarily result in loneliness or isolation but in fact can have emotional, intellectual and spiritual benefits that were harder to achieve earlier in life.

However, most people of any age find that a social component is essential to their health and wellbeing. Retirement offers new opportunities to spend more time with loved ones and to extend social networks or build new ones.

Many people use retirement to pursue activities and organisations they already enjoy, or to start something new. Help the Aged produces information on topics such as community services, holidays, sport and volunteering. Useful information on what is available locally can be obtained from leisure centres, libraries, local advice centres and adult education institutes. As with sport and physical activity, there is no social or leisure pursuit that is unsuitable for older people, provided that it takes into account their health, abilities and interests.

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Family life

Research has repeatedly shown that contact with relatives and friends from different age groups is beneficial to the mental health of older people. Face-to-face, telephone and email contact counteract the isolation that older people can experience, especially those who live alone. Practical difficulties that can cause mental distress, such as poverty and mobility problems, can be alleviated by the assistance of friends and relatives.

It is equally true, though less widely reported, that interaction with older people has beneficial effects for all age groups. Older people are as likely to be givers as receivers of care (see ‘Older people and caring’). Research from the Woolworth’s and Age Concern Survey 2003 [1] showed that 75 per cent of British grandparents are involved in their grandchildren’s lives and have a clearly defined role in their upbringing, which can include that of carer, friend, confidant or tutor.

The absence of family members living nearby, or losing touch with relatives over the years, can be a source of distress, causing isolation and loneliness in later years. However, there are many ways to keep in touch, including telephone, email, free calls over the internet and web cam (video cameras whose images can be transmitted over the internet). Many older people use email and the internet to keep in touch with relatives and even to research their family history. Retirement years can provide opportunities to re-establish old relationships and start new ones.

All public libraries and Age Concern centres now provide internet and email facilities at a low cost or free of charge, and have committed staff who are willing to teach people how to use them.

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Staying mentally active – learning opportunities

Taking up learning opportunities at any age can enhance life and general health.

There are a number of different options for returning to some sort of education. Nearly all opportunities for learning are provided locally and will vary from area to area. Universities, colleges and local authority adult education centres offer a range of programmes, including short courses. The Universities of the Third Age (U3A) provide creative, educational and leisure opportunities for older people (see ‘Useful organisations’). The Age Concern factsheet Leisure and learning (link to Age Concern website) gives detailed information on opportunities open to older people.

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Sexuality

Ageism within society can mean that older people are seen as being asexual. However, both men and women can continue to have a satisfying sex life when they get older, and there is no reason why sex should not continue into old age. Lack of sexual desire, or reduced sexual desire than in earlier years, should not be seen as a problem either.

Staff in residential care or supported accommodation are not always supportive of close physical or sexual relationships between residents, though support for relationships can vary, depending on the attitude of the care provider.

The same applies to older people who are lesbian, gay or bisexual, though the issues are likely to be different – this is discussed below, under Diverse groups.

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Spirituality

Spiritually is about how we make sense of our past, present and future, whether this is within an organised religion, with a non-religious group, or as an individual. Our spirituality embraces our ideas about who we are and our purpose in life. People of all ages have a spiritual dimension to their life, which can have a major affect on mental health.

Spirituality is often focused in particular areas for older people, who may have faced bereavement and the inevitability of death, but who also experience the joy of significant milestones and life events. Many older people strive for reconciliation with others and with God, and for the meaning of their own lives in the context of a greater whole.

Support for any of these issues is often available from places of worship such as mosques, churches, synagogues and temples. Most organised religions offer pastoral care services to those of any faith or none.

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Mental health issues

The most common mental health problems in older people are depression and dementia. There is a widespread belief that these problems are a natural part of the ageing process, but this not the case: only 20 per cent of people over 85, and 5 per cent over 65, have dementia; 10–15 per cent of people over 65 have depression. It is important to remember that the majority of older people remain in good mental health.

Depression

Depression is the most common mental health problem in the UK. At its mildest, depression manifests as persistent low mood and physical tiredness, making the tasks of everyday life feel more difficult and less enjoyable or worthwhile. Major depression, which involves feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, can be debilitating; at its most severe it can lead to suicidal thoughts and actions. More detailed information about depression can be found in the Mind booklet Understanding depression.

Depression and later life
Depression affects proportionately more older people than any other demographic group. This is because older people face more events and situations that may trigger depression: physical illness, debilitating physical conditions, bereavement, poverty and isolation.

Depression can prevent or delay recovery from other illnesses and injuries. In people aged 75 or over, depression may be associated with a metabolic imbalance resulting from poor diet and sleep, and can suppress immunity, increasing susceptibility to infections.

Older people experiencing depression may find that their symptoms are mistaken for other ailments, even by their GP. This is because the symptoms can often differ from those experienced in younger age groups. Symptoms of depression in later years, such as agitation and anxiety, can be confused with Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, heart disease or thyroid disorders (though it is more likely that a thyroid disorder is misdiagnosed as depression).

Symptoms of depression may be assumed to be the side-effects of medication (which they can sometimes be), though drug-induced depression may not be recognised as such either. Medications that may cause depression include beta-blockers, other drugs that lower blood pressure, some medicines used for heart conditions, steroids and sedatives.

Any concerns about depression or a possible misdiagnosis should be discussed with a GP. If necessary, a second opinion can be obtained from another GP. Patients also have the right to ask for a comprehensive assessment, which would involve specialists in psychiatry and neurology.

Suicide
Depression can lead to suicide. The factors that cause an older person to consider suicide may be different from those of a younger person; for example, chronic illness and pain, loneliness or decline in mobility. Being highly dependent on others may lead a person to think that the only autonomy they have left is to decide whether or not to take their own life.

Warning signs that depression may be leading to suicidal intentions include:

• loss of interest in things or activities that are usually enjoyable
• cutting back social interaction, self-care and grooming
• breaking medical regimens (e.g. going off diets, prescribed medications, etc.)
• experiencing or expecting a significant personal loss (e.g. a spouse)
• feeling hopeless and/or worthless (who needs me?)
• putting one’s affairs in order, giving things away, or making changes to one’s will
• stockpiling medication or obtaining other lethal means.

Other clues include a preoccupation with death or a lack of concern with personal safety. Goodbyes such as ‘This is the last time you’ll see me’ or ‘I won’t be needing any more appointments’ should raise concern. The most significant indicator is an expression of suicidal intent.

Mind produces two booklets: How to cope with suicidal feelings and How to help someone who is suicidal.

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How can depression be alleviated?
Depression is not a natural or unalterable mental state for any personality, temperament or stage of life. The majority of people who have depression make a full recovery after appropriate treatment, and older people are just as responsive to treatment as younger people. However, there are aspects of some medical interventions that may have different effects on an older person.

Older people who have had recurrent or chronic depression since earlier life will be familiar with its causes and alert to symptoms, and will have developed coping strategies.

Antidepressant medication
Antidepressant drugs are commonly prescribed for depression. They may not deal with the causes of depression, but they lift the mood so that the person affected can make changes to their life to aid recovery.

Antidepressants can cause side effects and withdrawal symptoms – see Mind’s booklet Making sense of antidepressants. These effects may be compounded by age-related changes to the metabolic system, which can lead to accumulation of medications in the body, though a lower dose of antidepressant should be prescribed to avoid this.

Antidepressants may interact with other medications – this is more likely in older people, who are likely to be taking a variety of medicines. Concerns about any of these issues can be discussed with a GP, hospital doctor or pharmacist.

Counselling
Talking about feelings, fears and negative thoughts, as well as how to manage them, can help alleviate depression, though it can be difficult to communicate at first when feeling low. Counselling can be useful as a sole treatment or in addition to antidepressants. For more detailed information, see Mind’s booklets Understanding talking treatments and Making sense of counselling.

GPs can refer patients to counselling services. The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy provides a directory of counsellors, and local Mind associations may also offer counselling (see ‘Useful organisations’).

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
ECT may occasionally be suggested for severe depression that is not responding to conventional treatment. This treatment involves passing an electric current through one or both sides of the recipient’s brain while they are under general anaesthesia.

In the past, ECT was suggested for older people because of the adverse effects that tricyclic antidepressants, an older class of drug, have on the cardiovascular system. However, safer types of antidepressants have been available for the last 20 years, as well as other treatments, so this argument has become invalid.

Creative faculties and coordination can be affected by ECT. There are also risks connected with general anaesthesia. ECT also increases the risk of heart problems, strokes and falls in older people. For detailed information about ECT, see Mind’s booklet Making sense of ECT.

Preventive measures
There are many ways to reduce the risk of developing depression. Looking after one’s physical, emotional, spiritual and social wellbeing is likely to lift the mood, enhance self-esteem and foster a sense of being meaningfully connected to the world. This is the best defence against depression, and small steps in these areas mark the way to lasting recovery.

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Dementia

Dementia is the name given to a group of diseases that affect the normal working functions of the brain. This can lead to a decline of mental ability, affecting memory, thinking, problem solving, concentration and perception.

The symptoms of dementia vary according to the stage of the illness. Dementia can be difficult to diagnose in the early stages: the person experiences small changes to their everyday functioning, for example in concentration, decision making and short-term memory. In the middle stages, the person becomes more confused and forgetful, especially about people’s names and recent events; they may also become more easily upset, angry or aggressive.

In the late stages of dementia, a person may be unable to remember familiar faces and objects or to express themselves or understand what is being said to them. Further details about dementia can be found in Mind’s booklet Understanding dementia.

How can dementia be alleviated?
Dementia is different from other forms of mental distress in that it is irreversible – its effects cannot be reversed, though it may be possible to slow its progression. Exceptions to this are the forms of dementia related to vitamin deficiency (which can be treated with supplements) or head injury (which can be treated with surgery).

Some drugs are available for the treatment of early dementia. These reduce the symptoms of dementia, but they cannot cure it, and they work in only a relatively small proportion of patients. Specialists such as neurologists and consultants in old age psychiatry can help, as can memory clinics; GPs will refer someone suspected of having dementia to these services for evaluation and treatment.

Detailed and up-to-date information on drugs and other treatments for dementia can be obtained from the Alzheimer’s Society (see ‘Useful organisations’). Also see Mind's factsheet Drugs for dementia.

Can dementia be prevented?
Although there is no certain way to prevent dementia, evidence suggests that simple lifestyle changes can help to reduce vulnerability. These include following a healthy diet, regular physical activity, giving up smoking and limiting alcohol consumption. Mental activity, such as doing puzzles and crosswords, is also thought to be helpful. Supplements such as ginkgo biloba are thought to improve circulation and therefore blood flow to the brain – though it is important to consult with a GP before taking such supplements.

Depression or dementia?
Depression is more common than dementia in older people but it may be misdiagnosed as dementia. The symptoms that can be misdiagnosed include forgetfulness, lack of concentration and loss of thinking ability. In fact, someone with depression is likely to be aware of these problems and will be able to discuss them, whereas someone with dementia is not. For more information see Mind’s factsheet  Confusion, depression or dementia? The need for a comprehensive assessment.

Other mental health problems

It is beyond the scope of this factsheet to give details of the full range of mental health problems that older people may experience. Indeed, this range is as wide for older people as it is for any other age group.

Rarer mental health problems that affect older people are anxiety and late-onset schizophrenia. These conditions may have different causes and symptoms for older people than for other age groups. Further information on these conditions can be found in Mind's booklets, Understanding anxiety and Understanding schizophrenia.

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Diverse groups

Older people are just as heterogeneous as any other age group, and although they may share issues common to the ageing process, age may not be their strongest feature of self-identity. Older people may identify more strongly with other social groups with whom they are united by a common culture or experience. Older people who identify with a group that is a minority in society may have issues specific to that group which give a different experience of being an older person.

Black and minority ethnic older people

Older people who belong to a minority ethnic group may have difficulty accepting old age, perhaps because of racism experienced in earlier years. Also, mental health services (and other services) may not take different cultures into account. Some people have experienced racism within these services and may not feel safe using them.

Information and/or support specific to particular groups can be found in local directories and at libraries, GP surgeries and other health centres. Mind runs a network, Diverse Minds, for mental health services users and carers from black and minority ethnic groups (see ‘Useful organisations), and has produced a series of factsheets that cover the issues of specific minority ethnic groups (see ‘Further reading’)

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Older lesbians, gay men and bisexuals

Older lesbians, gay men and bisexuals may have solid support networks that they have developed over the years. Alternatively, they may feel isolated, perhaps because their partner has died or they have lost touch with others.

Some older people feel comfortable telling others about their sexuality, whereas others feel unable to share their experiences, perhaps because they grew up at a time when there was a great deal of stigma attached to being gay. Some older lesbians and gay men were subjected to damaging treatments to ‘cure’ their homosexuality in the past.

Older gay people may share supported accommodation or residential care with heterosexual people. Some people in this situation are comfortable being open about their sexuality, whereas others feel the need to hide their life experiences because they fear how others might react.

There are social networks geared towards the needs of older gay and lesbian people; for example, Stonewall and Kenric (see ‘Useful organisations’). Becoming part of such a network can provide opportunities to discuss concerns, share knowledge and experience with others and work out practical solutions.

Age Concern has developed a useful information sheet, Later life as an older lesbian, gay or bisexual person. Local Age Concern branches should have details of groups in their area.

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Older people and caring

Older people make up the biggest proportion of care givers and care receivers in the UK, and most older people play one or both of these roles at different times.

Older people as care givers
The support provided by a carer can range from emotional support (e.g. listening and showing appreciation) to providing day-to-day practical help. Carers can also advocate on behalf of the person they care for. This can mean helping the cared-for person to stand up for their rights to treatment, benefits, housing, etc., or helping to communicate the person’s needs and views to health and social care professionals.

The caring relationship can be a rewarding one, despite the challenges involved. Care giving can be reciprocal, with both parties caring for each other and gaining something positive from the experience.

However, caring for someone with a physical or a mental health problem can also be a difficult experience, with emotional as well as practical costs. The emotions roused will depend on the nature and duration of the caring relationship – older people may be caring for a partner or spouse, an adult relative (perhaps a son or daughter) or grandchildren. The personal, social and health problems that impact on the caring relationship can be multiple and complex. It is important that carers look after their own physical and mental health.

Although many carers feel that they do not need any help, outside support can greatly reduce the stress of caring.

There are several organisations that provide useful information and support on being a carer: Age Concern, the Alzheimer’s Society and Carers UK (see ‘Useful organisations’). Mind has also published a booklet, How to cope as a carer and a factsheet Carers.

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Older people as care receivers
People develop different care needs as they get older, and they may need to adapt their lives to meet those needs and to care for themselves in new ways. This may mean accepting ‘care’ in the sense of practical and emotional support given by an unpaid carer. This care may come from a partner or spouse, other adult relative, friend or neighbour.

Most older people do not wish to be passive recipients of care, but want to make well-informed choices, with support from family members and loved ones. GPs and other health professionals can be valuable sources of advice and support; Help the Aged and Age Concern provide information about options for housing, benefits, and how to cope with a range of health problems, as well as guides to health and social services.

It may be helpful to obtain and discuss this information and then develop a care plan that takes into account the capabilities and needs of both the carer and care receiver. In the event that either person’s health is likely to deteriorate, it is important to plan for future care needs. At what point will the carer need additional support? Could residential care be an option for the future? An advance statement or living will can also be considered. Planning for these eventualities is likely to increase peace of mind and foster a sense of personal empowerment.

Receiving long-term care for the first time, or receiving it from a new person, may change important relationships and cause emotional distress. Carers UK, Age Concern and associations for specific illnesses (for example, the Alzheimer’s Society) can provide advice on how to cope with these changes and develop relationships in a positive way for the future. GPs and other health professionals can also provide useful advice and support as well as direction to other local sources of help. Counselling, either individually or as a couple or group, may help to understand and resolve these issues.

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Financial help
Someone with a chronic (long-term) health problem or disability may be eligible for publicly funded health or social care. A Community Care Assessment can be requested from the Adult Social Care section of the local social services department.

Carers can also ask for their own needs to be assessed (under the Carers Recognition and Services Act 1995), and may receive assistance regardless of whether the person they are caring for receives publicly funded health or social care.

Assistance may take the form of services to which older people may be referred to by their local social services department, such as home help or respite care. Alternatively, social services may provide a sum of money called a direct payment or individual budget which can be used to purchase assistance, help or services (with the support and approval of your social services department). More information about direct payments and individual budgets can be obtained from the National Centre for Independent Living (see ‘Useful organisations’).

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Further reading

Mind booklets
To order these, call Mind Publications on 0844 448 4448 or email publications@mind.org.uk or visit the Mind bookshop

How to cope as a carer
How to cope with sleep problems
How to cope with suicidal feelings
How to help someone who is suicidal
Making sense of antidepressants
Making sense of counselling
Making sense of ECT
Making sense of sleeping pills and minor tranquillisers
Mind guide to food and mood
Mind guide to physical activity
Mind guide to spiritual practices
Understanding anxiety
Understanding bereavement
Understanding depression
Understanding dementia
Understanding schizophrenia
Understanding talking treatments

Mind factsheets

Carers’ factsheet: how to access services, information for carers
Confusion, depression or dementia? The need for a comprehensive assessment
Drugs for dementia
Lesbians, gay men and bisexuals and mental health
Mental health in translation
Public attitudes to mental distress
St John's Wort – Hypericum perforatum
Suicide rates, risks and prevention strategies
The mental health of the African Caribbean community in Britain
The mental health of Chinese and Vietnamese people in Britain
The mental health of Irish people in Britain
The mental health of the South Asian community in Britain

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Useful organisations

Age Concern Cymru
Ty John Pathy
13–14 Neptune Court
Vanguard Way
Cardiff CF24 5PJ
tel: 029 2043 1555
email: enquiries@accymru.org.uk
web: www.accymru.org.uk
The UK’s largest charity working for older people. Services include information, advice, support services and social groups.

Age Concern England
Astral House
1268 London Road
London SW16 4ER
tel: 0800 00 99 66 (helpline)
web: www.ageconcern.org.uk 
The UK’s largest charity working for older people. Services include information, advice, support services and social groups. Age Concern and Help the Aged will merge in April 2009. Details of local branches can be found via the website.

Alzheimer’s Society
Devon House
58 St Katharine’s Way
London E1W 1JX
tel: 020 7423 3500 (general enquiries)
helpline: 0845 300 0336
email: enquiries@alzheimers.org.uk
web: www.alzheimers.org.uk 
Works to promote better quality of life for people with dementia, their families and carers. Details of local branches can be found via the website.

British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
BACP House
15 St John’s Business Park
Lutterworth LE17 4HB
Tel: 01455 883 300
email: bacp@bacp.co.uk
web: www.bacp.co.uk 
Voluntary membership organisation that represents and regulates counsellors and psychotherapists who are members. Provides information on talking therapies and a directory of accredited practitioners.

Carers UK
20 Great Dover Street
London SE1 4LX
tel: 020 7378 4999
email: info@ukcarersuk.org
web: www.carersuk.org.uk 
Provides information to carers and carries out campaigning and policy work aimed at improving the lives of carers.

Carers Wales 
River House
Ynysbridge Court 
Gwaelod-y-Garth
Cardiff CF15 9SS
tel: 029 2081 1370
CarersLine: 0808 808 777 (Wed and Thurs, 10am–12pm; 2–4pm)
email: info@carerswales.org
web: www.carerswales.org 
Provides information to carers and campaigns to improve the lives of carers.

Contact the Elderly
15 Henrietta Street
London WC2E 8QH
tel: 0800 716 543 or 020 7240 0630
email: info@contact-the-elderly.org.uk
web: www.contact-the-elderly.org.uk 
Provides a befriending service and social groups.

Cruse Bereavement Care
PO Box 800
Richmond TW9 1RG
helpline: 0844 477 9400
email: helpline@cruse.org.uk or info@cruse.org.uk
web: www.cruse.org.uk
Provides information, advice and free counselling for bereaved people.

Depression Alliance (England)
212 Spitfire Studios
63–71 Collier Street
London N1 9BE
tel: 0845 123 23 20
email: information@depressionalliance.org
web: www.depressionalliance.org 
Provides information and support, including a supporter scheme, for people affected by depression.

Diverse Minds
Mind
15–19 Broadway
London E15 4BQ
tel: 020 8215 2220
email: diverseminds@mind.org.uk 
web: www.mind.org.uk/About+Mind/Networks/Diverse+Minds/ 
Mind’s network for black and minority ethnic people with experience of mental distress or with an interest in mental health issues.

Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC)
tel: 0845 604 6610 (England helpline)
tel: 0845 604 8810 (Wales helpline)
email: info@equalityhumanrights.com 
web: www.equalityhumanrights.com 
The EHRC works to eliminate discrimination against all diverse groups and to promote understanding of the Human Rights Act. The Commission also runs an advice line on equalities and human rights issues.

Help the Aged (England)
207–221 Pentonville Road
London N1 9UZ
tel: 020 7278 1114
email: info@helptheaged.org.uk
web: www.helptheaged.org.uk 
Campaigns for social change that will improve the lives of older people; also provides information and advice. Help the Aged and Age Concern will merge in April 2009.

Help the Aged in Wales 
12 Cathedral Road 
Cardiff CF11 9LJ
tel: 02920 346 550
email: infocymru@helptheaged.org.uk
web: www.helptheaged.org.uk
Services include information, advice, support services and social groups.

Kenric (for lesbians)
BM Kenric
London WC1N 3XX
tel: 0870 765 8850
email: via website
web: www.kenric.org 
Social networking organisation for lesbians.

Lesbian and Gay Bereavement Project
Counselling Department
Lighthouse West London
111–117 Lancaster Road
London W11 1QT
tel: 020 7403 5969 (Mon, Tues and Thurs 7pm–10.30pm)
Helpline providing information and support for lesbian and gay people who have been bereaved or are preparing for bereavement.

National Centre for Independent Living (NCIL)
4th Floor, Hampton House
20 Albert Embankment
London SE1 7TJ
tel: 020 7587 1663
email: info@ncil.org.uk 
web: www.ncil.org.uk 
Provides information and advice on issues relating to independent living for disabled people, their families and carers. Also campaigns and carries out research aimed at improving the lives of disabled people.

Parkinson’s Disease Society215 Vauxhall Bridge Road
London SW1V 1EJ
tel : 020 7931 8080
helpline: 0808 800 0303 (freephone Mon–Fri 9.30am–9pm; Sat 9.30am–5.30pm)
email: enquiries@parkinsons.org.uk
web: www.parkinsons.org.uk 
Leading charity dedicated to supporting all people with Parkinson’s disease, their families and carers. Local branches can be found via the website.

SANE
1st floor, Cityside House
40 Adler Street
London E1 1EE
tel (SANEline): 0845 767 8000 (6–11pm daily)
email: info@sane.org.uk or sanemail@sane.org.uk 
web: www.sane.org.uk 
A national charity that provides information and support for people with mental health problems, and their families and carers.

Stonewall
Tower Building 
York Road 
London SE1 7NX
information line: 08000 50 20 20 (Mon–Fri 9.30am–5.30pm)
email: info@stonewall.org.uk 
web: www.stonewall.org.uk 
Provides information for lesbian and gay people on a range of issues affecting quality of life, including the right of lesbian and gay people under recent anti-discrimination legislation. Also provides a searchable online database.

Stonewall Cymru
3rd Floor, Transport House
1 Cathedral Road
Cardiff CF11 9SB
tel: 029 2023 7744

University of the Third Age (U3A)
Old Municipal Buildings
9 East Street 
Bromley BR1 1QE
tel: 020 8466 6139
web: www.u3a.org.uk
Provides educational, creative and leisure opportunities for older people. Details of local groups can be found via the website.

Volunteering in the Third Age (VITA)
web: www.wrvs.org.uk/vita 
VITA aims to promote the value and impact of older volunteers and to increase the number of over 65s volunteering by removing barriers across the voluntary and community sector.

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References

[1] http://www.ageconcern.org.uk/AgeConcern/News_1104.htm

This factsheet was written by George Stewart and Jackie Golding, Mind, January 2003 and updated by Rachael Twomey, January 2009.