Helping hounds
A Barking Mad way to support Age Scotland’s campaign to reach out to isolated OAPs at Christmas
CHRISTMAS is the loneliest time of the year for many elderly people.
About 60,000 over-65s will spend the festive season alone, according to research by Age Scotland.
Being widowed, suffering from poor health or having no family can lead to older people feeling socially isolated.
One in five say the television is their only source of company at Christmas.
Loneliness can have a serious impact on health. It can cause long-term misery and contribute to the development of heart problems, strokes, mental health problems and dementia.
Age Scotland have launched a Christmas campaign – “No one should have no one” – to encourage people to take action in their communities.
The charity’s chief executive Brian Sloan said: “Loneliness is a growing public health crisis and should not simply be considered an inevitable part of getting older.
“We can all do our bit to reach out to older people in our communities, whether that’s volunteering as a befriender or simply popping round to check on a neighbour.”
Barking Mad, a dog caring service in Paisley and Inverclyde, are supporting the campaign. They offer older dog lovers a life-enhancing opportunity to become a “host” by looking after other people’s pets while their owners are away.
Faye Carruthers, of Barking Mad, said: “Becoming a host allows elderly dog lovers the chance to enjoy all of the benefits of dog ownership without the full-time emotional and financial responsibility.
“It’s professionally arranged, fully supported and made easy to take part in, with the cost, administration and transport aspects all fully taken care of. “Having a dog to stay provides a loving canine friendship but our elderly hosts are also able to tap into the social benefits of joining a community of likeminded people. “It makes a big difference to those who are struggling on their own.” Here two hosts reveal how caring for a dog has helped them cope with being alone.