Over 65s not getting access to 'talking therapies' despite suffering increased anxiety and depression

Social care leaders are urging the government to take the mental health of older people seriously after a poll suggests “bereavement, anxiety and depression” has increased since the COVID pandemic.

A new report published today reveals only six per cent of people aged 65 and over are using 'talking therapies' to help them with mental health issues.

In its new Minds that matter report, Independent Age says the six per cent figure is too low given the age profile of the population – with 18 per cent aged 65 and over and the prevalence of mental health conditions in the community.

The report also found 75 per cent of older people have experienced significant anxiety or low mood at least once since turning 65, with one in 10 saying they feel this frequently or all the time.

Between March and July, up to 98,000 older people experienced bereavement

Access to talking therapies is even more essential during the COVID-19 pandemic, with national statistics showing people in later life are facing increased anxiety, depression and experiencing complicated grief as a result of bereavement during this period.

Talking therapies which include counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and guided self-help, are available through NHS England’s Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme to treat issues such as depression and anxiety. People are often referred to these services by their GP.

Chief executive of Independent Age, Deborah Alsina, who commissioned the report said: “Now, more than ever, it’s critical we take the mental health of people aged 65+ seriously.

“COVID-19 has brought extra challenges around bereavement, but we’ve also seen an increase in mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. In fact, ONS statistics show that rates of depression have doubled for people aged over 70. This is an urgent problem.

“Conditions like depression and anxiety can affect people at any age – and people of all ages can be treated and recover.”

Independent Age found that between March and July this year, up to 98,000 older people experienced a partner bereavement, almost one and a half times as many as in a typical year.

“It’s vital that NHS England takes a multi-faceted approach to improving older people’s access to mental health services, says Ms Alsina. "We want them to review the barriers to accessing therapy, share best practice where it’s working well, and use targeted messaging to ensure people are aware of what services exist and how they can help.”

The report states despite the low rates of IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) referral and low levels of awareness, people in later life often respond well to this support. Data from the programme for 2019-20 shows that people aged 65 and over had an overall recovery rate of 64 per cent, compared to 50 per cent for people aged 18-64.

James Bullion, president of ADASS said: “COVID-19 has underlined just how vital positive mental health support is to enabling us to live good lives. It is essential that those of us who are older can get access to talking therapies and bereavement support whenever we need it. We know that this type of support works and we know the difference it makes."

'The spending review should be used to provide funding for councils to invest in mental health services'

Councils across England play a crucial role with improving and maintaining mental health and wellbeing through their services including adult social care, suicide prevention and helping unpaid carers as well as providing safe access to parks and green spaces.

Cllr Ian Hudspeth, chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, said: “We need a new national focus on helping everyone stay mentally well, including those affected by COVID-19, backed-up by funding for councils to spend with the voluntary and community sector on meeting local mental wellbeing needs.

“This should include a shift in focus and funding away from simply treating mental ill-health and towards a locally-led approach to promoting people’s mental wellbeing throughout their lives.

“The upcoming spending review should be used to provide ongoing funding for councils to invest in effective mental health services and support to meet existing, new and unmet demand caused by the pandemic.”

The Minds that matter report investigated attitudes of, and towards, older people’s mental health, using a nationally representative poll of 2,316 people, as well as in-depth interviews with 43 people across the country, and a UK wide survey with 2,821 respondents.