Busting myths about older people:

From the Later Life Newsletter No 9 Supporting Communication between DWP and Government Office”

Myth:

“Over 65’s are dependent, frail and disengaged”

Fact:

· Only 15% of people over 65 receive social care

· Only 3% of people over 64, 18% of people over 80, and 28% of people over 90 live in residential care

· Only 20% of people over 80 suffer from some form of dementia

· 75% of people aged over 65 voted in the 2005 General Election