Older people often experience higher levels of poverty than younger
people, due to retirement or reduced ability to undertake paid work.
In addition, deteriorating health is often associated with the ageing
process, but access to appropriate healthcare may not be forthcoming
if health policies focus on other health issues that are regarded as
more pressing. The role of older people in caring for grandchildren
and others is also key and can help promote feelings of usefulness
and status. However, in some cases, the support, both financial and
emotional, that older people may be able to provide, can result in
excessive demands on their time, energy and money