National survey of the pandemic landscape for the over 50s in Wales launched

As the pandemic and its associated restrictions begin to ease, Age Cymru and its key partners have launched a national survey to further develop our understanding of how it has affected the over 50s and what is needed for a life of quality and opportunities.  

Building on the two national surveys we undertook in 2020 and 2021, we want to hear about your current access to health and social care, and how this may have affected your physical and mental well-being.  

And we want to know whether problems in accessing health and social care have meant that some of you have had to increase your caring responsibilities and whether you feel supported in this role.  

Employment during the pandemic has been problematic for all age groups but especially amongst the over 50s who were more likely than any other age groups to leave paid employment.   So, we want to know if you were forced to stop working during the pandemic, whether you’ve been able to return to the same job, if you’ve had to find new work, or if it has impacted your retirement.  

We also want to know how you feel about getting out into your local community.  Do you feel confident that it is safe to participate in community life and if not, what measures would you like to see introduced?  

Age Cymru’s chief executive Victoria Lloyd says: “The pandemic has been particularly tough for many older people in a number of key areas such as getting GP and other health appointments, having extra caring responsibilities, often taking the brunt of upheaval in the workplace, and becoming lonelier and more isolated as the usual places of social interaction were closed.  

“And as the pandemic eases to some extent, older people are now facing a cost-of-living crisis caused by rising fuel costs and high levels of inflation.    

“We are encouraging as many older people as possible to complete our survey so we can work with the Welsh Government, and other stakeholders, to identify the measures needed to aid recovery and support those who have suffered as a result of the pandemic as a matter of urgency.”   

To take part in our research, funded by Welsh Government, you can complete our survey online in English or Welsh by visiting: www.agecymru.org.uk/covid19survey

Or you may request a copy of the survey in either English or Welsh by calling 029 2043 1555.  

You can also simply write to us with your current experiences of the Covid-19 pandemic and your views on the future recovery via the following freepost address: Age Cymru, FREEPOST RTZG-JHGC-RYJJ, Ground Floor, Mariners House, Age Cymru, Trident Court, East Moors Road, CARDIFF CF24 5TD 

The deadline for any correspondence is Friday 25 March 2022