Social Inclusion

Age discrimination, sometimes alongside other forms of discrimination, can contribute to the social isolation of older people. The risk is greater for people living alone and the very elderly, and can be increased by bereavement, loss of work or poor health. Such isolation can contribute to the incidence of mental illness, particularly depression.

Opportunities to participate in, and make a positive contribution to community and society, are integral to dignity. Maintaining contact with family and friends, participating in cultural and community activities and using skills all contribute to social inclusion. Involving older people at all levels of service planning and delivery is an important part of getting it right.

Useful Links:

• SCIE social Inclusion pages
• CSIP's toolkit for strengthening the involvement of people with dementia
• Age Concern's pages on ageism

• A Sure Start to Later Life: Ending Inequalities for Older People
  The experience of exclusion is not unique to older people - it affects people of all ages. However, exclusion can be particularly acute in later life for three reasons. it is all too rare that people...