Older Combat Veterans in the UK Are Often Overlooked by Mainstream Support Services

Many older veterans experience Late-onset Stress Symptomatology (LOSS), where trauma-related symptoms emerge decades after their service. Mainstream services tend to focus on those with immediate or early-onset psychological issues, overlooking those whose symptoms develop much later. As a result, the mental health needs of older veterans are often not recognised or prioritised. Veterans who have lived for many years without displaying clear signs of mental health issues are often assumed to have successfully "moved on." Their coping mechanisms, such as maintaining employment or family life, may mask underlying issues. Support services may incorrectly assume these veterans are less vulnerable compared to younger or recently deployed servicemen and women. Many support services target younger veterans or those who have recently left the armed forces. Older veterans, especially those who served in conflicts like WWII, the Falklands, or the Gulf War, may not be aware of available services or may feel disconnected from them. Additionally, older veterans may not actively seek help due to stigma or the belief that their issues are not serious enough to warrant intervention. Support systems for veterans can be fragmented, with services tailored more towards recent conflicts and younger veterans. Older veterans often fall through the cracks of this system, as they might require a different set of services, including care for age-related health issues that compound trauma-related stress. As veterans age, mainstream services often focus on their physical health concerns, like mobility or chronic diseases, while overlooking the mental health aspects. This imbalance in healthcare provision leads to under-diagnosis and insufficient treatment of psychological conditions like PTSD or LOSS in older veterans. Older veterans may come from a generation that did not emphasise or accept mental health treatment. They might be less likely to self-identify as needing psychological support, contributing to their invisibility in mainstream service provision. The combination of these factors contributes to the marginalisation of older veterans in the UK's mainstream support services. Addressing these gaps requires targeted outreach, increased awareness, and tailored mental health services to ensure older veterans receive the care they need.

Tony Wright CEO Forward Assist