A chat makes such a difference
MORE than half of the older people who describe themselves as lonely have never talked about how they feel to anyone.
And the vast majority say that their close friends and family would be quite surprised or even astonished to hear they are lonely, according to a new survey carried out by the over-50s social networking site, Gransnet.
Age UK research shows that 1.2 million older people are chronically lonely, and half a million people over 60 usually spend every day alone.
According to the British Red Cross, a worrying 45 per cent of people aged 65 and over wouldn’t know where to turn if they’re experiencing loneliness. Older people are at higher risk of being lonely as they are more likely to experience poor health and the death of a loved one.
Limited access to transport and the closure of small shops and libraries can exacerbate their feelings of being forgotten.
The cross- party Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness, supported by 13 organisations, wants to mobilise the public to Start A Conversation and become part of the solution, whether through talking to a neighbour, visiting an old friend, or just making time for people they meet.
It was set up by MP Jo Cox before her murder in June 2016.
Co-chairs Rachel Reeves and Seema Kennedy, both MPs, say: ‘Everyone can play a part in ending loneliness among older people in their communities by simply starting a conversation with those around you.
‘Building awareness by being the “eyes on the ground” among older customers, patients, friends, relatives and neighbours, and referring them onto people who can help are all interventions that could make a real impact to a lonely older person’s life.
‘How we care and act for those around us could mean the difference between an older person just coping and them loving and enjoying later life.’
Online chatter around loneliness is also being encouraged, with supporters being asked to post #happytochat on their Twitter and Facebook status. And there is more information on how to get involved at