‘Loneliness a huge issue for elderly’
Loneliness and isolation are the most significant issues the older generation is forced to face in Wales, according to a National Assembly committee.
The Health, Social Care and Sport Committee found around half a million people in Wales feel lonely always or often.
Witnesses to the inquiry also said the issue is widespread among older members of the community.
According to the report, 25.3% of older people in Wales reported being lonely.
A further 26.9% admitted to being socially isolated, according to data from the Cognitive Function and Ageing study.
A lack of public transport, especially in the evenings, was seen as a significant factor in contributing to loneliness and isolation.
The committee heard some villages were found to be completely cut off from social situations because they do not have a bus service.
The report suggests the issue of loneliness could be worse than the figures suggest because people are too ashamed to admit they’re lonely.
But the committee found a strategy designed to tackle the problem won’t be published by the Welsh Government until 2019 - something described as “disappointing”.
Chairman of the committee Dai Lloyd AM said: “Wales has a higher percentage of older people within its population than any other part of the UK and often this means people are more reliant on social services and have more complex needs.
“The effect of loneliness and isolation is profound – it can have both mental and physical consequences.
“That the Welsh Government isn’t planning on publishing its strategy to tackle these issues until 2019 isn’t good enough and we call on ministers to speed up that timetable.
“The evidence we heard about the benefits of inter-generational contact is encouraging and we would like to see more research in this area to properly evaluate the benefits.”
There was praise for inter-generational skill-swapping sessions and voluntary organisations across the country.
However the short-term nature of funding, which has led to the closure of some schemes, was considered an area of concern.
Mr Lloyd added: “We have also seen and heard about outstanding examples of voluntary and community groups coming together to support people.
“We want to see greater stability of funding so that individuals and organisations delivering such excellent work on the ground can be confident in being able to provide these vital services long term.”
The report advises the Welsh Government on a number of issues.
Recommendations include the Welsh Government reviewing the timescale for the development of its strategy to address loneliness and isolation, with a view to publication before 2019, and working with the voluntary sector and local government to secure the funding stability needed by voluntary-sector organisations.
It has also been suggested the Welsh Government should undertake an evaluation to assess the impact of inter-generational contact on people experiencing loneliness and isolation.
A Welsh Government spokesman said: “Tackling loneliness and isolation is a priority for us.
“Research increasingly shows it can have a detrimental impact on people’s lives, which is why we have developed a number of programmes and initiatives to help tackle this problem.
“These include funding and support for Ageing Well in Wales, which specifically identifies the pressing problem of loneliness and isolation in Wales.”