Ageing well in Suffolk

Healthwatch Suffolk (HWS) has been exploring people’s views about ageing in Suffolk together with Suffolk’s Public Health and Communities team (PH&C). This report has been created to support the development of the Annual Public Health Report 2024, which aims to understand local opportunities to support all residents in Suffolk to age well, maintain their independence and enjoy a good quality of life as they age.  They collected data via an online feedback form to which 413 people responded.

The Ageing Well in Suffolk project revealed that many residents thrive as they age, but this has not been the case for every respondent. Whilst it was clear there were a variety of activities, opportunities and community services available to support people to age well in Suffolk, more could be done to improve awareness of them through signposting and information provision. It was also evident that people sometimes needed guidance and motivation to engage in community activities and services.

Residents were actively engaged in many social groups, activities, and community events, although some expressed a need for more diverse options to suit all interests. Some comments referenced ageing as an opportunity to learn new skills, pursue education, and build friendships. It was also evident that people had experienced personal wellbeing benefits from giving back to their community, for example, through volunteering, which gave them a sense of belonging and supported them in developing social connections. 

People acknowledged the importance of maintaining health through good diet and exercise. Many were actively engaged in healthy behaviours and lifestyles. However, others had faced challenges, such as financial struggles or problems with their mobility, that were limiting their ability to stay well. 

The community engagement alos discovered the challenges people can face as they age. These are featured throughout this document and should be interpreted as opportunities to help Suffolk become more age friendly. Examples include: 

 Whilst many people appreciated the benefits of digital advances, some lacked the skills, knowledge, or confidence to use them. This should motivate Suffolk to continue to drive towards a digitally inclusive county that embraces a digital first, not digital only, approach and ensures no one is excluded. 

The importance of transport as a key enabler to people ageing well was evidenced by the number of comments respondents made about it. Having access to suitable transport was seen as essential to maintaining health and wellbeing, as well as “I see Suffolk as a great place to live... “with access to countryside, the sea, historic places, and generally friendly people. I’ve been able to study and work here through my life, bring up a family, and continue well in my 80th year.”  preventing social isolation. While several respondents had already embraced active and environmentally friendly travel solutions and were enjoying the associated benefits to their health and wellbeing, more could be done to support and encourage people to adopt alternative transport options. 

People described how they would value better housing options that help older people live independently for longer in their community. They mentioned that new communities should be designed with the needs of older residents in mind. 

While many residents were living well, concerns about future difficulties such as managing co-morbidities, disabilities, and isolation were frequently expressed. Broader societal factors, including climate change, NHS pressures, funding changes, the rising cost of living, and international politics, formed part of people’s frame of reference when responding to this project and shaped the sentiment of their responses. This was particularly evident in the section on access to health and community services, where several respondents highlighted that recent changes to these services had raised concerns about the potential for further declines in accessibility in the future. 

Overall, encouraging people to reflect positively on ageing has been challenging. Attitudes toward the subject varied widely; some individuals were motivated and optimistic, while others expressed fears about the impact of ageing on their lives. It is essential to reframe perceptions of ageing by challenging stereotypes and highlighting the opportunities it presents. At the same time, we must acknowledge that ageing is an indiscriminate process, not a universally positive experience.