“If we do not design smart home tech in a way that makes it easy for older and disabled people to use, they risk being cut off from our increasingly tech-heavy world.” Gilbert, Policy Manger for Assistive and Accessible
Your Later Life Read more at www.yourlaterlife.co.ukQ3 2022 | A promotional supplement distributed on behalf of Mediaplanet, which takes sole responsibility for its content “Recent increases in the cost of living will sink my boat unless there is some form of assistance or daily life has become unaffordable for many older households.” Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director, Age UK Page 02
Clive
Technology, Policy Connect Page 06
Cost of living crisis hits older people hard with little support
Many older people have been unable to flee to safety due to health or mobility problems. With their families, friends and neighbours gone, they are now facing this war alone without daily necessities and medicine.
Will you become a guardian for the next generation? F in d o u t m o r e . Re q u e s t yo u r F R E E W i l l g u i d e by s ea r chi n g ‘ N S P C C g u a r d ia n s’ to d ay.
Please recycle
Because so many pensioners depend on the State Pension as their source of income, the Government must stick to its promise and reinstate the triple lock next However,year.without a serious injection of additional support, millions of pensioners could certainly find themselves in dire financial straits over the coming months, including those who were in a secure position until very recently. For many older people — those with health problems above all — staying warm at home is not a luxury but critical. We’re urging anyone who is struggling with their bills to get in touch with us to find out if they’re entitled to extra financial support. Successfully claiming Pension Credit, for example, not only boosts your income but can also open the door to a wealth of additional support.
©NSPCC 2022. Registered charity England and Wales 216401. Scotland SC037717 and Jersey 384 Photography by Tom Hull. Children and adults pictured are models.
Impact on older people
Relief efforts Age International has been working in Ukraine to provide support to older people isolated in their homes. We distribute food, medicines and hygiene items and support older people who have been uprooted from their homes. Even before the next round of energy price rises kicks in, daily life has become unaffordable for many older households on modest incomes. Millions are unable to pay for basic items such as food and energy.
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The conflict in Ukraine has destroyed homes, communities and lives. Older people make up a quarter of the country’s population, and they need support more than ever before. As we head into autumn, it’s no exaggeration to say that many of us are facing a perilous winter because of soaring energy prices and inflation.
Older people and their friends or carers can call Age UK’s free advice line on 0800 169 65 65 or visit ageuk.org.uk/money or contact their local Age UK for further information and advice.
Helping the forgotten generation of the Ukraine conflict
The escalating cost of living crisis in the UK is a nightmare for all, especially for those on low incomes — among them millions of pensioners who are completely reliant on their State Pension and benefits. Tackling this crisis must be the number one priority for the Government.Leonardisamong thousands of older people who have recently been in touch with Age UK, telling the charity: “Since the 1st of June, when my wife passed away, I have all the costs of running the house from my pension. Recent increases in the cost of living will sink my boat unless there is some form of assistance.”
WRITTEN BY Vishnee Sauntoo Head of Communications, Age International
Lack of support
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The younger ones still have time to make money and create something. But this is our last stop, I would say.
We’re urging anyone who is struggling with their bills to get in touch with us to find out if they’re entitled to extra financial support.
To support Age International, visit: ageinternational.org.uk/ukraine-appeal
Urgent needs Research carried out by our partner, HelpAge shows that seven in ten older people need medicine and healthcare, whilst six in ten need hygiene items. However, the most urgent need, for almost three quarters — is cash — which gives older people the freedom to access what they need.
@Yourlaterlife
WRITTEN BY Caroline Abrahams Charity Director, Age UK
Thanks to the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, we have been able to escalate our response. However, as the conflict continues, we urgently need support to reach more people who need us.
Surviving the war Raisa and her husband Alexander, both in their seventies, had to make a difficult decision when they were evacuated from their home in Severodonetsk with the help of volunteers. Raisa says: “We spent all the time in the corridor of our apartment because the basement is down a set of stairs, and I have a back problem. Younger people could run and hide whenever there was shelling, but I was not ready for those runs. We could have stayed in the basement all the time, but it was cold and damp down there. “I tell my granddaughter that we are like beggars now. Nothing belongs to us here. I cry every day because I want to go back home. War is scary. War destroys families. But I think young people take it much easier. The younger ones still have time to make money and create something. But this is our last stop, I would say.”
Those who have been able to either move to safer areas of Ukraine or escape to places like Moldova and Poland are experiencing shock and trauma from the suffering they have endured. Older people are among over 8 million people displaced from their homes and the 6.6 million refugees fleeing the conflict. They now require support to access the services they need and to navigate life in new countries.
Medication options “Giving a patient the confidence to discuss medication and realise there are choices and alternative options — and that they are part of the medication decision-making process — means they are more likely to adhere to their medication,” she says. But consultations can go beyond medication to include broader issues of concern for patients. We focus on assessing and managing disease and tweaking medications. But for the patient, it might be something completely different that is important and affecting their quality of life such as social, psychological or sexual issues. Those can have a massive impact on a long-term health condition and are things the patient may need to talk to somebody about, and the nurse is in a good position to do that.”
Difficult issues
“There is nothing worse than having a negative consultation with a patient, but the best part of my job is when somebody comes back after we have talked about losing weight, for example, and they are ‘chuffed’ to tell me they achieved that. That is when you feel that patient was empowered and did take control.”
A PROMOTIONAL SUPPLEMENT DISTRIBUTED ON BEHALF OF MEDIAPLANET, WHICH TAKES SOLE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ITS CONTENTS READ MORE AT YOURLATERLIFE.CO.UK 03MEDIAPLANET INTERVIEW WITH Tracy French Rheumatology Clinical Nurse
Tracy French, a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Rheumatology at University Hospitals Bristol & Weston NHS Foundation Trust, sees patients with RA — an autoimmune inflammatory disease — face-to-face in clinics and offers support over the phone. But she remains acutely aware of the limited time healthcare professionals have with patients. This underlines the importance of patients playing a role in managing their health with the support of healthcare personnel. Educating RA patients about their medication, disease and lifestyle changes enables them to be better informed, which means they gain more from their interactions with health professionals. “A well-informed patient is happier and more likely to engage with their care,” adds Tracy.
Nurse support allows RA patients to manage their own health
Find out more at medacpharma.co.uk for medac Pharma
by
In her clinic, Tracy and her colleagues give patients a focus form that not only asks about medical issues such as fatigue, joint stiffness, pain, infections and missed treatments. It has additional topics a patient can circle if they want to discuss it, such as sex, work, finances or weight. The form can give patients the forum and confidence during a consultation.
WRITTENFoundationBristolUniversitySpecialist,Hospitals&WestonNHSTrustBY
Empowering patients
Patients with chronic conditions who are well-informed and feel empowered are more likely to adhere to treatments and cope better with the challenges of their illness.
Mark Nicholls
Treatment preferences Experts say if patients know the benefits and side effects while understanding different treatment formats, it can lead to a better treatment experience. “If patients come prepared to a consultation and have done some research, they are already engaged and can get the best out of the time they have with a health professional,” saysHowever,Tracy. she also acknowledges that not all patients want to be as active in their care or discuss issues in detail. But they are happy to know they have that option and retain trust in their healthcare professionals to make treatment decisions.
Paid
National survey A recent survey by the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS), in association with pharmaceutical company medac Pharma, found that 45% of RA patients felt they could not voice concerns about treatment options. However, Tracy and other RA teams are keen to share information with patients with chronic conditions so they can be better prepared for consultations and come with specific questions. This ensures all concerns are discussed and addressed and leads to a better treatment experience and outcome. Tracy, who worked with the NRAS on follow-up resources for the survey, says: “It is about a patient not being a passive recipient in the process. The idea is to share treatment options and enable the patient to be a part of that decision-making process. As health professionals, we want people to engage because they are more likely to take their treatment and feel listened to.”
H ealth patientsdecision-makingobserveprofessionalsthatsharedwithwithillnesses such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can improve outcomes and increase patient satisfaction.
“Charitable gifts in wills are changing the world around us,” says Lucinda Frostick, Director of Remember A Charity. Even a small amount can make a big difference. It’s a chance to think about what matters to you and how you can shape the world you leave behind.
INTERVIEW WITH Lucinda Frostick Director, Remember A Charity
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Q: Is leaving a gift in your will easy to do? Will-writing is relatively simple these days, and it doesn’t have to be costly. You can work with a solicitor or willwriter, and there are online providers too. It’s important to explore what works best for your needs. When it comes to remembering a charity – that’s very easy to do – you just need to name the charity (or charities) clearly in your will. It’s a wonderful thing to do and even a small sum can help make a big difference!
Q: Why do you think more people are choosing to leave a gift in their will? People often feel deeply connected to the charities that have touched their lives and, after taking care of their loved ones, they find it a really special way to give. When you start thinking about leaving a gift in your will, it’s a positive, heartwarming aspect of later life planning. It’s a chance to think about what matters to you and how you can shape the world you leave behind.
WRITTEN BY Tony Greenway
Q: How important is it to leave a gift to charities in your will? Gifts in wills make such a difference. In the UK, rising financial pressures are taking their toll on charities and the public alike. We are becoming increasingly reliant on charitable services – from medical research to rescue centres and food banks — and this form of giving is critical in funding these vital services. Because of its nature — a donation received at the end of someone’s life — the challenge is it’s not something we talk about every day. But the British public has a long history of charitable giving, and we’re seeing more and more people choosing to donate in this way, leaving a better world for future generations.
How you can help future-proof charities by leaving a gift in your will
Q: Which type of charities benefit from legacy giving? More charities are being named in wills all the time – and those gifts are changing the world around us. Even on my morning run, I can see their impact. The woodland I pass through is partly funded by gifts in wills. Nearby, there’s a church and village charities supported in people’s wills. And from the top of the hill, I can see the London skyline where countless services rely so heavily on this funding.
A PROMOTIONAL SUPPLEMENT DISTRIBUTED ON BEHALF OF MEDIAPLANET, WHICH TAKES SOLE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ITS CONTENTS READ MORE AT YOURLATERLIFE.CO.UK 05MEDIAPLANET Scan the QR code for more information about how your gift could support our work The Royal Air Force Museum is incorporated by Royal Charter (RC000922) and is a charity registered in England and Wales (1197541) Pride in our past, protecting our future Leaving a gift in your Will to the RAF Museum will help us continue to recognise and celebrate the RAF story and its place in our lives
2. Summary of estate What do you own? Make sure you have details of any property, cars, savings, pensions, bank accounts, shares, insurance policies or assets, such as jewellery. You’ll need to include information about any debts and liabilities too, such as a mortgage or loan.
Gifts in wills help us provide practical and emotional support, bringing lasting improvements to young lives. Find out how at actionforchildren.org.uk/laterlife Registered charity nos. 1097940/SC038092. Company no. 04764232. © Action for Children 2022. 1854. 17:31:35
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The UK’s population is ageing while technology is revolutionising how we all live our lives, from work to shopping to socialising.
4. Executors or trustees Who will you choose as your executors? You’ll need to appoint at least one executor. Often, people choose a relative or friend along with a solicitor or accountant, perhaps. Your executors will be responsible for carrying out your wishes when you pass on, so it’s important to check that they are willing to do this. Make sure you have their full names and addresses.
5. Guardians for children Who could look after your children? If you have children under the age of 18, you’ll want to choose a legal guardian who will be able to look after them for the remainder of their childhood. As with executors, you will need to confirm that guardians are happy to take on this responsibility, providing their names and addresses.
1. Beneficiaries Who do you want to benefit from your will? Usually, this will be your partner and family members, close friends, godchildren and often the charities you care about, too. When it comes to individuals, you’ll need their names, addresses and dates of birth. If you’re including a charity (or charities), make sure you have the organisation’s full name and registered charity number — you can find this on their website or via the Charity Commission.
During Remember A Charity Week (5–11 September), will-writing is front of mind. But there can be a great deal to think about when mapping out your final wishes.
How can technology help older people live independently?more
Smart home technology is a huge opportunity for older people to take control of their environment and live independently in the comfort of their own homes for a longer time. People with reduced mobility could activate lighting, heating, curtains and other fixtures through a smart phone app or by issuing voice commands to a smart speaker. It also helps people remain socially engaged and connected to their communities through news websites, entertainment streaming services and videoLastly,conferencing.thistechnology can also support the provision of care services. This includes devices that can detect potentially dangerous situations—for instance, if a person has fallen over— and allow users to call for help.
A checklist: How to write a will to leave to loved ones
So, here is a helpful summary of the key details you may need to prepare when writing or updating your will.
For more tips about all the things to think about when writing or updating your will, go to rememberacharity.org.uk
3. Specific gifts Do you want to leave a specific item or amount to someone in particular? In your will, you’ll have the opportunity to identify these gifts — whether that’s an heirloom, a residual sum or a set amount.
WRITTEN BY Clive Gilbert Policy Manger for Assistive and Accessible Technology, Policy Connect WRITTEN BY Lucinda Frostick Director, Remember A Charity Tech is becoming ever more intuitive and adaptable to people’s lifestyles, wants and needs.
Action for Children make sure children have the best start in life.
Smart home tech is also very quickly becoming the norm, with Ofcom research estimating that one in two households in the UK have a smart speaker.
Accessibility in households As artificial intelligence and robotics advance, there will be further evolutions of the smart home to come. Tech is becoming ever more intuitive and adaptable to people’s lifestyles, wants and needs. Examples of this include vacuum cleaners that roam the house and the emergence of humanoid robotics that can assist with some aspects of personal care. This presents an enormous opportunity for tech to help older and disabled people live independent, rewarding lives in their own homes.
However, as more and more people have this tech in their homes, the stakes are higher. If we do not design smart home tech in a way that makes it easy for older and disabled people to use, they risk being cut off from our increasingly tech-heavy world. Increasing usability through collaboration We must provide the right support services. We must design tech together with older and disabled people so that we can make sure it is easy for them to use. Policy Connect’s recent report, Smarter Homes for Independent Living, studies the barriers that stop older and disabled people from making the best use of tech in their homes. The report makes recommendations to the Government on how to break down those barriers and unleash the potential of smart home tech to support independent living.
CMYCYMYCMYMCK 1854 Legacy Later Life Ad AW.pdf 1 24/08/2022
6. Funeral preferences Have you thought through any plans or preferences for your funeral? Many people like to include funeral wishes in their will, ensuring everything is set out in one place.
A PROMOTIONAL SUPPLEMENT DISTRIBUTED ON BEHALF OF MEDIAPLANET, WHICH TAKES SOLE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ITS CONTENTS READ MORE AT YOURLATERLIFE.CO.UK 07MEDIAPLANET Give a little love Leave a lasting legacy By leaving just 1% of your total wor th to Epilepsy Society in your will, you can to help us treat and beat epilepsy. To receive your legacy pack call us on 01494 601414 or Findlegacy@epilepsysocietemaily.org.ukoutmoreaboutleavingalasting legacy visit epilepsysociety.org.uk/loveliveson Chesham Lane, Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire, SL9 0RJ Registered charity number 206186 Remember Brain Tumour Research in your Will and your gift will provide the hope of a cure to thousands. www.braintumourresearch.org/legacy legacy@braintumourresearch.org 01908 867200 Please mention Your Later Life Supplement when responding to this advertRegistered charity number 1153487 (England and Wales) SC046840 (Scotland) LIVEWILLLEGACYYOURON... tumoursBrain kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any cancerother
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Leave a lasting legacy
What does a gift left in your will to Macmillan Cancer Support mean to someone living with cancer?
It’s physical support, making sure they get the best cancer treatment possible. It’s financial guidance to help pay the bills. It’s providing a sympathetic ear in a time of need. It’s helping us do whatever it takes to support people living with cancer. Almost a third of our vital services are funded by gifts in wills. We hope that, after making sure your loved ones are taken care of, you’ll consider leaving a percentage of your estate to us as well. Help change a life by leaving a gift to Macmillan in your will. To order your free Gifts in Wills guide, scan the QR code, visit macmillan.org.uk/lastinglegacy or call 0300 1000 200 Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland.
