Help ease loneliness

Sir,

Lots of us would appreciate a moment’s peace and quiet. But what if that moment lasted for days on end, with nothing but the television to break the silence?

This is the reality for too many older people. A lack of contact with others made the pandemic especially difficult and hundreds of thousands of older people in Scotland can still go up to half a week without hearing from or speaking to another person.

The Big Wheesht is returning for its second year and Age Scotland is urging as many people as possible to sign up for this sponsored silence with a difference.

Throughout September the challenge asks individuals, families, businesses and other organisations ‘can you haud yer wheesht?’ and raise money to support lonely older people across Scotland.

Fundraisers can choose to take part in a variety of ways, from switching off their phones to unplugging from social media, hosting a silent disco or simply taking part in a period of sponsored silence. The fun event has a serious message at its heart, aiming to highlight just how many older people in Scotland still live with unwelcome silence daily.

Age Scotland’s recent research found that an estimated 218,000 over-50s feel lonely all or most of the time, with 53 per cent feeling even lonelier as a result of lockdown.

Around one in four – 24 per cent – said they did not normally see someone during the course of the week, rising to 28 per cent among those who lived alone.

Donations to The Big Wheesht will go towards the charity’s national 0800 12 44 222 friendship line, which helps older people stay connected by offering support, comfort and reassurance to those in need.

Chronic loneliness increases the risk of stress, anxiety and depression and doubles the risk of dementia. By joining us for The Big Wheesht this year, you'll be helping to raise awareness and tackle the devastating impact a lack of interaction can have.

We will be dealing with the ongoing impact of lockdown loneliness and isolation for a long time to come and the more money raised, the more calls our dedicated friendship line team can offer.

Anyone who would like to take part in Age Scotland's Big Wheesht can register online by visiting www.age.scot/bigwheesht.

Brian Sloan, chief executive, Age Scotland.