A report from Age UK has shed light on the ways racism, discrimination, and inequality accumulate throughout life, significantly affecting older age for Black Caribbean people in the UK. The report “Ageing while Black” report examines how a lifetime of racism and discrimination affects older Black Caribbean people in England. It highlights significant inequalities in financial security (one in four Black pensioners live in poverty), health outcomes (equivalent to being a decade older), and housing, with older Black Caribbean households being more than twice as likely to live in social housing. The report was commissioned by Age UK and conducted by ClearView Research and uses oral histories, group discussions, and analysis to capture first-hand experiences.

The findings reveal that these challenges have a profound impact on financial security, health, and overall wellbeing in later life.

Drawing on in-depth interviews and focus groups with older Black Caribbean individuals, the Age UK report exposes how lifelong experiences contribute to poorer health outcomes and reduced financial security. The research also highlights the additional obstacles faced when trying to access essential public services, with ageist attitudes and age discrimination further compounding the effects of racism.

Key findings

Financial insecurity: One in four Black pensioners live in poverty, compared to one in six overall. Older Black Caribbean men are more likely to still be working past state pension age, suggesting financial insecurity rather than choice.
Health outcomes: Health outcomes for Black Caribbean men and women are equivalent to those of white people a decade older.
Housing: Home ownership rates are significantly lower, and older Black Caribbean households are more than twice as likely to live in social housing.
Life course approach: The report uses a life course approach to demonstrate how the cumulative effects of discrimination and inequality throughout life impact well-being and financial stability in later life.

Recommendations

Address institutional racism, improve data collection on diverse communities, Enhance access to benefits and healthcare, and Support community initiatives. The report’s authors hope their findings will encourage government bodies, researchers, and community organisations to prioritise these issues and develop effective solutions. Their goal is to ensure that older people of Black Caribbean heritage, as well as other Black and minoritised ethnic groups, have the opportunity to age well and with dignity in British society.

Click here to read the report

ECA Luncheon Club

The ECA Luncheon club provides a Caribbean lunch, an opportunity to socialise, games and an age-appropriate exercise class in a warm, safe, welcoming environment. It takes place at Green Towers Community Centre, 7 Plevna Rd, Edmonton Green N9 0BU from 12pm to 3pm. (Next to Edmonton Green Shopping Centre).

The luncheon club opens the first three Fridays of every month. We welcome new members. For more information or to book a lunch, please contact us.