Coronavirus: Many elderly Sandwell and Walsall residents 'more at risk' due to living with younger relatives
Many elderly people in Sandwell and Walsall could be at more risk of catching coronavirus due to living with someone of working age, new figures show.
Sandwell has one of the highest proportions of elderly people living with people aged between 16 and State Pension age.
The Government advises anyone aged 70 or over to be “particularly stringent” in following social distancing measures as they are particularly vulnerable to Covid-19.
But living with people of working age may bring challenges as younger people are still allowed outdoors for essential trips.
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New figures from the Office for National Statistics show 30 per cent of people aged 70 and above in Sandwell, almost 10,000 residents, live with one or more people of working age.
This is one of the highest rates in the country, and double the average of 15 per cent.
Another high area is Walsall, with almost 6,000 elderly people living with one or more people of working age.
Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: “Staying safe in multi-generational households is challenging but also incredibly important, especially if the older person already has significant health issues.
“In the end it’s about being really cautious and exercising your common sense – that’s the best way of keeping the virus at bay and ensuring everyone remains fit and well.”
She encouraged young and old people living together to ensure they keep their distance from each other, disinfect doorknobs and other surfaces, and follow hand washing advice, particularly after returning home.
Across the UK, 1.3 million people aged 70 or over live in multi-generational households.
The London borough of Lambeth has the highest proportion of all, with 45 per cent of those aged 70 or over living with someone aged between 16 and the State Pension age.
In the West Midlands, the average rate is 15 per cent – compared to 24 per cent in London.
Neil O’Brien, a Conservative MP in the Midlands who requested the data, said people in their 70s should completely self-isolate where possible, and rely on help to get food and medicine delivered.
He warned families living with them to take “extreme care” by socially distancing even more than the rest of the population, and not going out unless absolutely essential.
He added: “I know this sounds really intense, but it could save the life of your loved ones in the coming weeks.”
