As a social care provider, we are acutely aware of the important role that our community carers play in ensuring those we visit feel supported, better connected to their community and the outside world, and that our regular visits are often one of the few contacts our service users have with those outside their home.
We also recognise that as we grow older, our vulnerability to loneliness increases. Partners and friends may pass away. Children often have families of their own. Retirement means leaving the social aspects of work behind. These are all factors that may contribute towards feeling lonely. Loneliness can have a significant impact on wellbeing, but there are ways to help.
Health
Loneliness can greatly increase chances of health complications in the elderly. It has been linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and dementia. Those who find themselves unexpectedly or suddenly alone, such as when losing a partner or experiencing separation from friends and family, are at an even greater risk.
As we grow older we are susceptible to falls, which can unfortunately have a huge impact on our health. Falls can be extremely dangerous for an elderly person, especially if living alone. According to Age UK, more than 2 million people in England over the age of 75 live alone. This also increases the risk of health complications as symptoms may go unnoticed. Also, medication may be missed or taken irregularly if you don’t have someone to remind you.
Mental wellbeing
Our mental wellbeing can be greatly affected through being alone, and loneliness has been associated with higher risks of depression, anxiety and suicide.
As we grow older, our friends, family and spouses may sadly pass away, this can lead to depression as we navigate grief and experience loneliness. This may even impact an elderly person's ability to get out and about, as means of transport may now be more limited.
In wider society many more people have recently experienced social isolation during the pandemic's lockdowns, so there is now a greater understanding of the effect that loneliness can have on our mental health. This can become more significant during different times of the year such as festive holidays, as well as during family celebrations, when we would usually expect to be socialising with others.
What to do if you or a loved one are isolated or lonely
There are many resources that can help the elderly to combat loneliness. Befriending services are available in many communities. Whether you prefer face-to-face or telephone communication, there’s bound to be something available. Social activities can also help towards combatting loneliness. Coffee mornings, pub lunches and quizzes are just a few activities many communities offer.
It is never too late to learn new skills, and many communities offer courses and training such as IT, language courses and fitness classes such as yoga. As an added bonus, many of these classes are free of charge and are available as part-time, day or evening classes.
A very popular option to help the elderly socialise is day centres. These centres offer a variety of activities, from arts and crafts, singing and dancing and even day trips.
To find out about local activities, you could look at:
- Community notice boards
- Local websites
- Libraries or community centres
- National websites such as Age UK
- and Loneliness Awareness Week
Later life may be the time to do things you may not have had the time to do when you were younger, such as:
- Pursuing a hobby such as painting
- Travelling
- Adopting a pet
- Learning to play an instrument
- Taking up a new fitness activity
- Joining a book club
Social Media
Social media is a tool that should not be overlooked due to someone's age. As our virtual world grows, so do the resources. However, many people may find it overwhelming and do not know where to begin.
There are many benefits to using social media, such as staying connected with family and friends. Whether your family is on holiday, lives far away or simply isn't always able to see you face to face, social media can bridge that gap in communication via text or video chat, helping to combat loneliness.
As well as staying in contact with others, social media can also be a great tool to make new friends and connections. Communities tend to have local groups on social media regarding meet-ups, coffee chats or just a general way to stay engaged with what's happening in the community around us. Local news websites or social pages can also be a great way to be aware of any events. Unfortunately, many people may lose access to their hobbies and interests as they grow older, so another benefit of social media is that it can be a great way to reconnect with them by joining online communities, or just for researching ways we can re-access our hobbies from home.
As mentioned above, you may find it difficult to know where to begin with social media. Fortunately, many local communities offer IT training, or there are many easy-to-use guides online.
Have you noticed anyone that may be lonely?
Unfortunately, there are many people that are struggling to combat their loneliness. This Loneliness Awareness Week, we want to highlight that age and isolation does not define anyone, and everyone can have great relationships and social lives, no matter their circumstances.
Let's reduce the stigma of this normal human emotion and help tackle loneliness by reaching out, signposting to support or just recognising that someone might be feeling lonely.
If you’d like to help combat loneliness in your local community, view and apply for care jobs at Cera here.
