Loneliness

According to Age UK more than 2 million people in England over the age of 75 live alone. More than a million older people say they go for over a month without speaking to a friend, neighbour or family member. This can have a serious effect on health and well-being. Living alone and having mobility problems can mean that people are vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation. There is even an Minister of Parliament for Loneliness now.

There are many reasons why people become isolated and lonely. Perhaps the cause is old age, poor mobility, close relatives and friends moving away, becoming retired, losing close friends and spouses as they have passed away or simply becoming ill themselves. Whatever the cause, loneliness can lead to depression and a serious decline in physical health and well-being.

On the NHS website, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/loneliness-in-older-people,  there are some excellent suggestions on how to help people overcome loneliness and the problems this brings. These range from just being friendly to people one sees when out and about (in the street for example) as even a smile can change someone’s day.

Another suggestion is to invite friends and relatives to visit you. If this is not possible, a charity called Contact the Elderly is dedicated to tackling loneliness and holds regular free Sunday afternoon tea parties for people over the age of 75 who live alone.

The telephone is a great way of keeping in contact. If you are unable to chat with a friend or relative, then there is The Silver Line on 0800 4 70 80 90 or call Independent Age on 0800 319 6789, Age UK on 0800 055 6112, or Friends of the Elderly on 0300 332 1110 to receive a weekly or fortnightly friendship call from a volunteer who enjoys talking to older people.

Alternatively, if anyone needs helpful, friendly care throughout the year, Acquire Care Ltd. can help. They provide care to adults who need support and help to live in their homes. This can be short home care visits or live-in care. To contact them phone 01865 601010, email info@acquirecare.co.uk or for more information, visit the website www.acquirecare.co.uk.