People living in a seaside town have been warned to look after their health as early as possible after figures show many start to become frail in their forties. Karen Smith, director of adult social services at Blackpool Council, said alcohol and drug abuse were partly to blame for some residents falling into ill health while still relatively young.
The stark warning came as councillors were updated on the Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) launched 12 months ago to co-ordinate NHS and care services. A meeting of the council’s Adult Social Care and Health Scrutiny Committee heard one of the main priorities of the ICB was to intervene earlier to prevent people from falling into poor health.
Ms Smith said: “In Blackpool frailty starts in the mid-forties for a lot of our population who have drug and alcohol problems, and major issues with their relationships and housing.
