Arts Council England older people poll

Poll of older people aged 65+ about arts and culture.

Almost two in five (38%) older people say that it is more difficult to attend or take part in arts and cultural events or activities now compared to when they were younger.

Access, company and information are the most commonly cited ways that older people say would improve their attendance at and participation in arts and culture; 43% select venues that are easier to get to e.g. help with transport, or information about local buses or trains, whilst 39% say having someone to go with would make them take attend or take part in more arts and cultural events or activities.

Three quarters of older people say that arts and culture is important to making them feel happy (76%), however at least half of older people select each of the options tested. Almost seven in ten (69%) say that arts and culture is important in improving their overall quality of life, three in five say that it is important in making them feel healthy or in encouraging them to get out and about (60% for each), a similar proportion (57%) say that arts and culture is important in helping them to meet other people, and half (51%) say that it is important in helping them to feel less alone.

Half (52%) of older people say that they attend or participate in arts and culture less now than in their teenage years, and 49% say that they attend or participate in arts and culture less now than in their 20s and 30s.

Date Published: 18th January 2016

Categories: ARTS | Public and communities | Social

Client: Arts Council England

Methodology

ComRes interviewed 700 adults aged 65+ in England by telephone between 4th and 11th November 2015. Data were weighted to be representative of all adults aged 65+ in England ComRes is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.