Summit to debate isolation in older people in Leeds

Ageing Without Children was founded by Kirsty Woodard in 2014 in response to the growing numbers of older people over 50 without children.

By 2030, 2 million people will be over 65 without adult children.

She said that while many age-related issues have had widespread coverage, ageing without children has been overlooked.

“This at a time of massive cuts to social care and other support services for older people,” Ms Woodard said.

The group will launch its first report at Leeds Civic Hall tomorrow, which features the experiences of people ageing without children, and looks at issues such as why more people are in the situation; why people are often judgemental about those without children; and what the impact may be on a practical level.

The launch will be opened by Leeds Council’s executive member for health, wellbeing and adults, Coun Lisa Mulherin.

She said there were “many people” in the city who do not have family to support them in later years - and this could increase their chance of suffering from loneliness.

Coun Mulherin added: “I hope this event will give us the chance to explore positive ways to help in Leeds.”