There are 6 million carers in the UK, set to rise to 8 million. They save the country £87 billion a year.
(Carers UK)
There are 10 million disabled people in the UK, half of whom are over 60, with a spending power of £80 billion
(Disability Rights Commission, Family Resources Survey)
Disability
Better access and enablement for disabled people is becoming an increasing important issue for businesses and services.
The incidence of disability, and also the incidence of multiple disability, increases significantly with age.
We have undertaken market research with disabled people aged from 18 to 98, with a wide range of mental and physical disabilities due to birth, illness, accident, age and war.
Disability is a difficult and emotive issue whatever age. In market research we need to approach disabled people with understanding and sensitivity. We also need to consider particular and practical needs in terms of the interview approach and process, location, stimulus, and the need for ‘carers’ to be present or not.
Carers
Carers, both paid and unpaid, are often a vital part of strategic and creative development for the ‘older old’ and most disabled.
Different ethnic groups
Hard to reach audiences will include older people from different ethnic groups, some of whom will not have English as a first language – and some of whom will not speak English at all.