How to combat loneliness in older age
No one really wants to admit to being lonely
Are you feeling lonely? You’re not the only one. According to recent research Gransnet did in partnership with the Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness, almost three-quarters of older people in Britain are lonely, and more than half of those have never spoken to anyone about how they feel. In today’s fast-paced world, busyness is often prioritised over personal connections. Families are under more pressure financially and may well live far away from each other. Skype and FaceTime are wonderful ways of staying in touch more easily, but it’s not the same as having your family and friends in the same room.
Here is another excellent and understanding resource from UK-based Gransnet, covering every aspect of loneliness in old age, and what practical steps can be taken to work and combat it. Unlike many practical guides to loneliness, it doesn’t just list ideas in a glib “Why don’t you just try … ” way, it delves into the reasons why many older people are lonely including retirement, bereavement, alienation and depression. It concludes with a useful “What to do when you feel lonely” section, with links to other organisations.