This report discusses how social exclusion impacts on older people and the policies that are aimed at tackling it. It also considers the evidence for the effectiveness of policies relating to income, health and social care, neighbourhood renewal and crime, including:

Developing policies to combat social exclusion has been an important element of government policy. This is one of four reviews commissioned to inform the Social Exclusion Unit’s assessment of progress made in tackling social exclusion. The research was commissioned by the Social Exclusion Unit in July 2003, and is mainly based on research and analytical evidence published until February 2004.

The researchers drew up a comprehensive list of policies and initiatives relating to exclusion. Searches of electronic database were carried out to identify relevant literature. The review was based largely on academic analyses of relevant policy areas - where appropriate, priority was given to highlighting findings reported by independent, academic commentators in peer-reviewed publications.

The review suggests that the impact of policies on social exclusion has been uneven. Policy has been stronger in tackling certain types of problems which cluster in old age, and in challenging myths and stereotypes about older people. It has been less successful in challenging inequalities which are carried through into old age and which reflect the experiences of particular birth cohorts and groups within these cohorts. In addition, policy has been less successful in limiting problems that arise from communities affected by economic decline and high rates of population turnover.

Centre for Social Gerontology, Keele University
Professor Chris Phillipson (Professor of Social Gerontology), tel. + 44 1782 584062

01/08/2004

Chris Phillipson and Thomas Scharf

research

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Integration of social groups

Older people