Helping to tackle inequalities for older people during the pandemic

Ô°ÇøÒùÂÒ Urban Ageing Research Group (MUARG) has been drawing on its research interests and expertise to respond to some of the big COVID-19 questions through a series of blogs, academic papers and new qualitative research.

The group's primary focus is looking at how COVID-19 may deepen existing inequalities for older people who are already experiencing social exclusion and isolation. This work is supported by additionally considering how COVID-19 may further disadvantage the most deprived communities in our cities.

MUARG is carrying out new research to assess these challenges, examining the support provided by neighbourhood-based organisations and community activists, along with the potential issues experienced by older people at risk of social isolation.

The project takes a longitudinal approach and involves telephone interviews with people aged 50 and over, drawn from a range of marginalised groups. More specifically, it includes older people who are at risk of social exclusion: either because of their individual characteristics and/or because of the neighbourhoods in which they live.

This work is particularly pressing given the context in which COVID-19 is having a disproportionate impact on low-income and BAME communities which have already been affected by cuts to public services, the loss of social infrastructure, and pressures on the voluntary sector.

Find out more

  • About the
  • Report: (PDF, 132KB)
  • Report:  (PDF, 132KB)