According to Age UK, nearly a million older people in the UK are often lonely.
Older people are especially vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation, which can have a serious affect on their mental and physical health. However, there are ways to overcome loneliness, even if you live alone and/or find it hard to get out.
What is Loneliness?
Loneliness is a common human emotion, and one we all feel from time to time, however the exact definition does vary from source to source. Age UK describes loneliness as a negative feeling people experience when they do not have relationships they would like to have.
When this feeling is continuous, it can have a negative impact on their quality of life.
What Impact Can Loneliness Have on Your Health and Wellbeing?
Loneliness is considered to be harmful for our health and is associated with increased risk of developing both mental and physical illnesses.
Chronic Loneliness can increase the risk of some physical conditions such as dementia, and mental health conditions such as stress, anxiety, low mood or depression.
What are the Key Drivers of Loneliness?
As we get older, risk factors that can cause loneliness can begin to increase. Key risk factors associated with older age include:
- Living on a low fixed income, such as a pension
- Facing bereavement
- Relationship breakdown
- Living alone
- Losing contact with friends or family
- Living with disabilities or illnesses
- Reduced mobility
- Caring for a partner or loved one
- Physical and mental health difficulties
What is the Difference between Loneliness and Social Isolation?
They are often used interchangeably, but technically have different definitions. Social isolation is about the quantity of contact with others, rather than the quality of relationships. Whereas someone can still feel lonely, despite have plenty of friends and family members.
Loneliness is a subjective state, whereas isolation is a physical lack of relationships or emotional support.
Examples of Social Isolation
There are several behaviours that indicate a person is socially isolated, such as:
- Avoiding social interactions, and feeling discomfort in social settings
- Spending extended periods alone
- Have only limited or superficial social contract
- Lacking meaningful relationships with others
How to Combat Isolation and Loneliness
There are several ways to combat isolation and loneliness, but there is no one-size-fits-all approach to tackling it.
- Social Prescribing – e.g. some Age UK branches offer a ‘befriending service’, in which a member of age UK comes to see you regularly.
- Cultural Groups – look for local groups where you can connect with individuals that have the same culture, religion, or beliefs as you.
- Therapy – services, such as bereavement counselling, or cognitive behavioural therapy.
- Digital Inclusion – if you struggle with technology, Age UK provide groups and services to help older individuals get connected online.
- Practical Support – exercise groups can help improve both your physical and mental health, such as walking football or chair aerobics.
- Volunteering – this can be a great opportunity to get out into your local community and help others too.
How Can Broomfield Care Help Older People Overcome Loneliness?
At Broomfield Care, we offer social visits, transportation and companionship visits, for our clients, either on their own or on top of their usual care packages.
Whether that’s helping you pursue hobbies at home, taking you to a doctors’ appointment, or helping you with the weekly food shop, our team of compassionate carers can help you combat any feelings of isolation or loneliness.
