Resilience in an ageing Greater Manchester

Author(s)

BAGNALL Kirsty

Publisher(s):

Ambition for Ageing

Publication year:

2018

This report looks at the resilience of older people and the implications for ageing communities. It includes the findings from a literature review and from workshops with three marginalised groups: older South Asian women; older men living in a deprived area; and refugees. The report explores the importance of recognising the impact different marginalising characteristics on a person’s resilience. The findings suggest that although older people can be vulnerable to shocks and stresses, they also may possess assets to prepare themselves and to support others during an emergency. However, marginalisation and social isolation contribute towards an individual’s ability to react during times of shock. The report also found that older people with additional marginalising characteristics were often found to have high levels of bonding social capital, but struggle to make connections outside of their own community. In order to avoid further marginalisation of people, the report recommends the inclusion of a range of marginalised groups in resilience planning. The report makes recommendations on how policy makers can support the needs of older people across Greater Manchester. (Edited publisher abstract)