5 suggestions that may help combat the effects of chronic Loneliness.

We have all had the feeling of being alone…not always a good feeling.  Sometimes it is ok to be alone but what if you had to spend most of your time as a solitary being?

Loneliness is an issue, a big issue. Loneliness has been linked to the development of a number of serious chronic health conditions, including depression, high blood pressure and dementia.  We know that people who experience loneliness are more likely to smoke and drink too much, and less likely to exercise and adhere to a medication regime.  Loneliness is therefore correlated with poor health, and causes some of the behaviours that can harm our mental, physical health and general well being.

21st century society is meant to be more connected; this is certainly true in the case of (Social) Media but what about fundamental human contact?  It seems that this is a connection that communities are losing and as a consequence some of the most vulnerable people in society are suffering.

It’s estimated that about 1,100,000 older people in the UK feel lonely all or most of the time Over half (51%) of all people aged 75 and over live alone (ONS, 2010). Two fifths all older people (about 3.9 million) say the television is their main company (Age UK, 2014)

In Japan, nearly 30,000 people die alone every year and they have even coined a word for it, kudokushi, which means ‘lonely death’. How many lonely deaths do we have in Britain where, according to Age UK, a million older people have not spoken to anyone in the last month?

Recently the health secretary, Jeremy Hunt, stated that People should consider inviting elderly strangers to live with them for a while to reduce isolation and the number of pensioners dying a “lonely death”. He is also urging people to keep in closer touch with older relatives, friends and neighbours. Hunt will highlight the case of a man found in Edinburgh last week three years after he died, and the eight council-funded “lonely funerals” a day in England, half of which involve over-65s.

“Are we really saying these people had no living relatives or friends? Or is it something sadder, namely that the busy, atomised lives we increasingly lead mean that too often we have become so distant from blood relatives that we don’t have any idea even when they are dying?” Jeremy Hunt recently told the annual conference of the Local Government Association.

Surely we should be persevering to make Britain one of the best places in the world to grow old in?

What can you do if you or someone you know is feeling lonely?  Here are 5 suggestions:

1. Volunteer

​It is a well known fact that without a purpose in life, we may be a little lost.  Volunteering is a way of meeting with people, whether it is helping at an animal sanctuary, charity shop, helpline, as a fundraiser or simply helping to build awareness.  You can gain immense satisfaction knowing that you have shared your compassion and ‘cared’ for a purpose.

2. Take up a new activity

Joining one of the many clubs in your local community will help you to get out and about and meet new people who are often in the same position as you.  To find clubs, you can check your local community news paper, circulars or go to your local community notice boards which are often found at local shops or village hall notice boards.  Clubs may range from Bridge, knit & chat groups, chess clubs, bowling or meet up groups.

3. Learn a new skill; enrol on a course

You are never too old to start learning a new skill and in fact this has proven to be of great benefit to your health.  What about a computer course?  An Art course? Learn a new instrument…

Samaritans

24-hour support for anyone having a difficult time

Telephone: 08457 90 90 90 

Website: http://www.samaritans.org/

The Silver LineFree

Confidential 24-hour phone line for older people offering information and friendship. People can call anytime for advice, information or simply a chat – the charity also offers a befriending service. Silver Circles are conference calls for several like-minded people who would like to chat in a group.

Helpline: 0800 4 70 80 90

Website: http://www.thesilverline.org.uk/

Silversurfers’ Guide

Advice for older people about using the internet

Website: http://www.silversurfersguide.com/index.asp#3

University of the Third Age (U3A)

Charity with local groups offering educational, creative and leisure opportunities for older people.

Telephone: 020 8466 6139

Website: http://www.u3a.org.uk/

Volunteering England

Information about volunteering opportunities.

Website: http://www.ncvo.org.uk/ncvo-volunteering/i-want-to-volunteer

Volunteering Wales

Information about volunteering opportunities in Wales.

Website: http://www.volunteering-wales.net/

Here at Kare Plus we fully understand the issues that surround loneliness and the impact that it can have on people’s lives and general health and well-being.  Many of our clients have at times suffered loneliness and this is something our workforce is geared up to tackle.  All our branches offer an open door policy and staff are employed for their caring nature, are on hand to assist, guide or help with any crisis calls, pleas for help or simply offer someone to talk to.  With many of our workforce being dementia friends as well as being trained to deal with mental health, addiction or abuse issues, Kare Plus are on hand to support people who feel lonely on a local basis.  We are also proud to participate in the campaign to end loneliness.

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