Health worries or looking after a sick partner, child, or relative can be stressful, painful and difficult. Life as a partner and parent can be tricky enough but dealing with the further stress and anxiety of a poorly loved one can put pressure on family life. Here are some statistics about health, caring, relationships and families.
How many people are carers?
- In 2001 there were about 5.5 million adults aged over 19 providing unpaid care. Of those 70% were caring for relatives including parents, parents in-law, spouses and children. (1)
- 19% of those providing unpaid care were caring for a spouse or partner and nearly half of those peoplewere providing care for 20 hours a week or more. (1)
- 7% of those providing care for a family member were looking after a child. (1)
How healthy are we?
- In 2006 most men and women rated themselves as being in good health. 9% of men and 11% of women said their health was not good. (2)
How many people drink regularly?
- 23% of men aged 16 and over reported drinking more than 8 units of alcohol a day. 15% of women reported drinking more than 6 units a day. (2)
How many people are smokers?
- In 2006 23% of men and 21% of women were smokers. (2)
How prevalent is cancer?
- Around one third of the population develop some form of cancer at some point in their lives. (2)
- Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among women – the incidence rate t 121 cases per 100,000 of the population. (2)
How many of us have a mental illness of some form?
- One in six adults in the UK in 2000 aged between 16 and 74 had some form neurotic disorder in the seven days prior to the survey. (2)