Campaign To Highlight Shocking Problems Of ‘Young Olds’

A campaign has been launched to highlight the shocking problems faced by the ‘young olds’ – vulnerable, middle aged, former rough sleepers who have debilitating health problems more commonly associated with pensioners.

Thames Reach has coined the term ‘young olds’ to describe individuals aged between forty and and their mid fifties who are typically suffering from heart and liver disease, brain damage, poor mobility, loss of memory and incontinence.

The problems faced by ‘young olds’ are caused predominantly by heavy drinking – often linked with the consumption of super strength lagers and ciders – and by years spent sleeping rough on the streets. Many engage in challenging behaviour, some have problems with hard drugs and some have mental health issues.

Thames Reach, a leading provider of services to homeless people, is concerned that local authorities are neither aware of the emergence of these ‘young olds’ nor of the need to provide housing and support. It is calling on the commissioning bodies to fund specialist, permanent accommodation.

Many ‘young olds’ are currently stuck in unsuitable temporary housing such as hostels, rather than the smaller units of accommodation with specialist support, that they require. They are unable to get access to the services available for older people and block beds intended for people sleeping rough in the capital.

Research by Thames Reach indicates that the phenomenon is a growing one and currently affects hundreds of vulnerable people across London, the area with the largest homeless population in the UK.

Jeremy Swain, Chief Executive of Thames Reach, said: “I recently asked a manager why, John, one of our most vulnerable residents, was not living in a registered care home where he could receive a higher level of support befitting someone of his mature years. I was staggered to find out that John was actually 47, not 67. John encapsulates the problem faced by people who, because of their life histories, are old before their time.

“There is a need for the funders and commissioners of services for vulnerable adults to not let age requirements stop them addressing the profound needs of people like John. He and his family deserve better.”