How good old pub chat beats isolation
Loneliness can be experienced at any point in life, but people 50 and over in England are five times more likely to suffer if they are widowed, compared with those who have a partner, Age UK researchers say.
Caroline Abrahams, of Age UK, said: “Bereavement is a very common experience in later life, but that doesn’t make it any easier to cope with.
“Christmas is a particular challenge if you are facing it on your own, with just your memories and perhaps the television or a pet for company, to see you through.”
Another study by LinkedIn indicated that most freelance home workers felt lonely in their job.
They told a survey of 1,000 freelancers that things they missed included office parties and having colleagues to chat to.
Perks, however, included not having to commute, and having a variety of work.
PUBS are helping tackle loneliness with free lunches for pensioners, meeting spaces for community groups and a cuppa for teetotallers.
The Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) said dozens of pubs are running events aimed at connecting people.
The Brook Inn, Plymouth, hosts TLC – Tea, Laughter and Company – Thursdays with cake, a cup of tea and entertainment; the New Inn, in Ceredigion, Wales, boasts a cinema club and library; and the Four-Ale Taproom in Gosport,
Hants, hosts community groups every week.
Camra chairman Nik Antona said: “The colder months, when it is harder to enjoy the outdoors, makes winter particularly isolating for some.
“Christmas can exacerbate this for those without local friends or family, making the festive period an uncomfortably stark reminder of what they’re missing out on.
“That’s why we want to highlight the role pubs play in providing social networks for so many while connecting people to events happening in their area.”
Robin Hewings, of the Campaign to End Loneliness, said: “There are nine million lonely people in the UK, and about four million of those are older people.
“In our own polling, we found pubs are the place that people feel most comfortable starting a conversation in.
“Even just a small chat can make a big difference to someone who feels lonely.”