Older people are especially vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation. In England, 51% of all people over 75 live alone and 5 million older people say the television is their main form of company.
People can become socially isolated for a variety of reasons such as getting older, weaker, no longer being the hub of their family, leaving the workplace, disability or illness, and the deaths of spouses and friends. Whatever the cause, it’s shockingly easy to be left feeling alone and vulnerable, which can lead to depression and a serious decline in physical health and well-being. Someone who is lonely probably also finds it hard to reach out. There is a stigma surrounding loneliness and older people tend not to ask for help because they have too much pride.
Here are ways for older people to connect with others and feel useful and appreciated again.
Smile, even if it feels hard.
Grab every chance to smile at others or begin a conversation
Invite friends around for a cup of tea
Keep in touch by phone.
Also use free telephone support lines such as Silver Line (on 0800 470 80 90; Independent Age on 0845 262 1863 or Age UK on 0800 169 6565
Learn to love computers, mobile phones and other electronic devices.
Family social media groups and forums are a great way of staying in touch
Get involved in local community activities.
Your local library is a great starting point for this
Plan to fill your diary.
Having social plans to look forward to can really help[ to lift your spirits
Try to get out and about more.
Help others.
Use the knowledge and experience you’ve gained over a lifetime to give something back to your community and get lots back in return. There are endless volunteering opportunities which relish the qualities and skills of older people.
