On 10 May 2025, the Over 50s Black Men Forum (O5BM) joined Luton Urban Radio to discuss our new policy brief, “Improving the Lives of Older Black Men – Insights from Essex with Implications for UK Health and Social Care Policy.” The brief shines a light on the realities facing Black men aged 50+ and sets out practical steps for policymakers, commissioners and community partners.
What the research shows
Drawing on a survey of our Essex-based members, the brief highlights that, while many respondents are relatively stable (employed, housed and often married), serious pressures persist:
- Cost of living: 70% say utilities and housing are their most burdensome expenses.
- Financial security: 91% rely mainly on wages, with only 3% relying on pensions.
- Mental health support: 50% report no access to mental health services.
- Discrimination: 40% report direct or structural racism.
- Community strength: 70% are engaged in volunteering or social activity—an asset to build on.
Why it matters
Older Black men remain largely invisible in UK ageing research and public health strategies. Current frameworks (e.g., Core20PLUS5) don’t sufficiently target this group—risking widening inequalities in mental health, finances and social care if culturally relevant support isn’t resourced.
What we’re asking for
On air, we called for practical, evidence-informed action:
- Expand culturally competent mental health provision.
- Fund financial resilience initiatives for older ethnic minority men.
- Support peer navigators/mentors in trusted community settings.
- Improve data collection and disaggregation by age and ethnicity.
- Invest in co-produced, Black-led programmes grounded in lived experience.
Get involved
O5BM invites MPs, Peers, Integrated Care Boards (ICB) and NHS England to engage with the findings and co-design solutions that work for older Black men. To request the full brief, a briefing session, or partnership discussion, contact info@o5bmforum.org.uk or visit www.o5bmforum.org.uk.
We want to immensely thank the Luton Urban Radio, especially Lenny T the host, as this interview served as a crucial platform to raise awareness about the experiences of older Black Men in the UK.
Listen to the 27 mins interview by clicking here:
