Older people (health and wellbeing needs in South Tyneside)

Whilst there are many relevant facts and figures related to ageing across the UK, it is important that this JSNAA focuses on the local picture.

In South Tyneside the population projections for over 65s in 2018 were 19.9% and 24.9% by 2042. In 2021 there were 30,847 over 65 (20.9%) and 3843 over 85s (2.6%) [21].

• South Tyneside Older People's Health and Wellbeing Profile indicates that our ageing population is experiencing greater inequality. Socio economic differences are growing and they have a very significant impact on older people's experience of life, especially as it affects their health and wellbeing.

Examples of this include:

• South Tyneside was ranked 23rd most deprived out of 151 upper tier local authorities nationally in the 2019 English Index of Multiple Deprivation. The Borough is more deprived that its Tyne and Wear neighbours and is the 3rd most deprived Borough in the North East region.
• During 2018 to 20 in South Tyneside, life expectancy at birth was three years below the national average for men and two years for women (76.4 years for men and 81.2 for women, compared to 79.4 and 83.1 nationally).
• Between 2018 and 2020 life expectancy at 65 amongst males in South Tyneside was 17.1 years, significantly lower than the region (17.8) and England (18.7). Amongst females' life expectancy was 19.6 years, similar to the region (20.0) and significantly lower than England (21.1).
• At ward level, male life expectancy in the most deprived area (Biddick and All Saints) is 76.5, whereas in the most affluent area (Cleadon and East Boldon) the male life expectancy is 82.6.
• From 2018 to 20 in South Tyneside, healthy life expectancy was almost six years below the national average for men and five years lower for women (57.3 for men and 58.9 for women, compared to 63.1 and 63.9 nationally).
• South Tyneside residents are more likely than the national average to engage in behaviours which are risk factors for poor health. In 2022 15.2% of South Tyneside adults are smokers, compared to 12.7% of adults nationally.
• During 2021 / 22 61.5% of adults living in South Tyneside engage in regular physical activity, compared to 67.3% of adults nationally. 76.3% of adults are classified as overweight or obese, compared to a 63.8% English average.
• Second highest % of adults overweight or obese - increasing overtime.
• Second highest rates of alcohol related conditions 65+ for women.
• In terms of mental health, of 2490 over 65s who presented with frailty they also had anxiety.
• Yet South Tyneside has one of the lowest referral rates for over 65s across the ICB, with evidence suggesting unmet need, particularly for 65 to 79 year olds.
• The Annual Population Survey shows that between July 2022 and June 2023 6.7% of the population were economically inactive due to retirement in South Tyneside, lower than 14.3% in the North East and 13.0% across England.
• Fuel poverty is worse than England average (11.3%). This is based on the percentage of households that experience fuel poverty based on low-income high-cost methodology.
• In South Tyneside in the 12 months to July 2023, 989 crimes were reported in over 65s, of which 3% were recorded as serious crime.
• In the 2021 census, 22,371 households did not have a car, of which 9421 were over 65 years.
• Whilst 70.8% of adult social care service users felt they had control over their daily lives, 30% do not have as much social contact as they would like.
• 15% adult carers get as much social contact as they would like.
• The Borough has higher than average rates of premature deaths, including those from cardio-vascular disease and cancer.
• 16.8% of people have had an emergency readmission into hospital within 30 days of discharge from hospital.
• Excess winter deaths 30.2%, lower than the England average (36.2%).