Is it possible to age well as a Black Caribbean person in the UK?
Age UK commissioned ClearView Research to gain a deeper understanding of how older people of Black Caribbean heritage (aged 50+) experience ageing in the UK.
Specifically, our study focused on how racism, discrimination, and inequality experienced throughout Black Caribbean people’s lives affect their wellbeing and financial security in later life, and how they intersect with ageism in society.
This study builds on Age UK's long-standing commitment to addressing poverty and reducing inequalities within older populations.
To explore the experiences of racism and discrimination of older Black Caribbean people in the UK, and the impact of these experiences on their wellbeing and financial security, we took the following approach:
We conducted oral histories and in-depth narrative interviews, Luncheon Learn Labs, and tea and cake gatherings with older Black Caribbeans aged 50+ in London, Bristol, and Birmingham, as they represent areas with significant numbers and histories of Black Caribbean communities.
We held an online collaborative narrative analysis workshop, engaging participants in the analysis of their own narratives to ensure the findings authentically reflect their experiences, and creating a safe, supportive space for emotional processing, reflection, and healing.
The Findings
Our findings showed the cumulative and continuous impact of racism and discrimination on older Black Caribbean people who have lived and aged in the UK.
The intersection of different systems of oppression, particularly ageism, racism, and sexism, has adversely shaped the life courses and quality of ageing of older Black Caribbean people.
What can be done?
To address these issues, a holistic approach to rebuilding institutions and services in a way that enables people to be authentically themselves and to live and age well in this country.
The need for positive, anti-racist actions, that have equity rather than equality in their heart, is more urgent than ever.
These actions should encompass a range of measures, from raising awareness and training to building wealth and providing resources for those who have long been exploited and marginalised.