Penny pinching councils are isolating pensioners

Good public transport is vital for combating loneliness among the older generation says a new report.

The decline in bus routes and good bus shelters is a key cause of loneliness in older people says Lonely Nation Part 2: Ending Loneliness Among Older People, a new report from the Centre for Social Justice.

The report found that for older people, aged over 65, 70 and 75, accessible transport was more important than safety or going on holiday. This is in stark contrast to the general adult population’s imagined needs in later life, who believe that going holiday will be more important.

Polling for the CSJ was conducted by Whitestone Insight and based on a sample of over 2,000 UK adults.

The CSJ warn that a lack of bus routes is a key cause of loneliness in older people. Particularly in rural areas, the decline in bus routes has left many unable to access social connections and enjoy the relationships that are essential to human flourishing.

However, problems with public transport go beyond the number and frequency of routes for elderly bus users.

Poorly designed stops and infrastructure are causing major problems and contributing to a lack of confidence in using public transport services with many in our older generations feeling unable to use public transport if there was no overhanging shelter or seats.

The experience and needs of older people are often forgotten by local authorities determined to cut costs. Concerns highlighted by the CSJ include:

“The issue with transport is not just the vehicle, it’s the bus stop without seats.”

“It’s because of the vandalism that they’re not willing to put a bus shelter in.” 

“Older people are forgotten; they are not taken into account with planning.” 

“There are surveys to gather thoughts for older people, but they are all online. They keep being asked to give their views, but nothing happens.”

The report makes several important recommendations to reverse this worrying trend, including calling on the Department for Transport to:

• Continue its commitment to create a transport network that supports people’s social connections.
• Work with local authorities to produce guidance for the design of bus shelters to ensure they are accessible for older people.

Josh Nicholson, Senior Researcher at the CSJ said:

“Our communities need decent, proper bus stops. Councils are penny-pinching at the cost of older people’s well-being.

“Disgraceful short-term planning and dwindling public transport provision are isolating our older generation and causing rising loneliness and mental health problems.”