LIVING ON THE MARGINS

This article argues that in both policy and economic debates the specifically local experiences of older people living in deprived neighbourhoods have been ignored. It describes research undertaken in an area of material deprivation and low access to 'social capital', on the margins of Middlesbrough both geographically and socially. A health and lifestyle survey of older people in the area was supplemented by Community Futures Workshops at which residents discussed problems and solutions. Main concerns raised were a fear of crime and the need for better maintenance of the area, better transport and locally provided health services. Beyond this, residents spoke of a need for older people to be valued rather than relegated to the margins. Their experiences are contrasted with those of older people living in a materially advantaged neighbourhood to highlight the specific problems experienced as a product of social and geographical place.