Technology offers solution to loneliness among elderly

April 22, 2014   Carers, Older care, Social care

In tens of thousands of households across Scotland the day begins early with a key turning in the lock.

‘It’s only me,’ cries a professionally cheery voice. Footsteps clatter to the kitchen to put the kettle on, a head appears round the bedroom door and a uniformed carer enters with a snap of plastic gloves. It’s time to get up.

What follows is a whirlwind of washing and dressing and with one eye on the clock the helper is away again leaving their charge with a cup of tea, a slice of toast, a long day ahead and, probably, the television for company.

Read More

News Society Older people 'Most of these elderly people have a simple need – not to be on their own'

April 21, 2014   Carers, Independent living, Older care, Social care
For thousands of isolated older people whose families are far away and whose council help has been cut, innovative community schemes are tackling the ‘generation strain’ of lonelinessare

 

Eric Clayton, kneeling, with volunteer Brian Slack on their allotment at Garforth, Leeds.

Richard, 79, a retired railway engineer in the Midlands, is cheerful and courteous on Good Friday as he explains that since the council axed the Dial-a-Ride scheme his social life, including a lunch club, shopping and outings, has been reduced to a single visit each week to church. A neurological condition means that Richard (not his real name) needs a wheelchair. A member of the congregation comes to push him the short distance to church. “I’m extremely lucky in that respect,” he says. Richard is now confined to his room in his sheltered accommodation, six days out of seven. A reduction in staff from six to two also means that his fellow residents are unknown to each other, as there is no extra help to arrange social events.

Read More

Internet Use Can Reduce Depression Risk in Elderly

April 19, 2014   Carers, Depression, mental health, Older care

Can reduce the chances of depression by more than 30 percent.

By Senior News Editor
Reviewed by John M. Grohol, Psy.D.

on April 18, 2014

Internet Use Can Reduce Depression Risk in ElderlyLoneliness can fuel depression in older adults, and experts estimate that as many as 10 million older Americans suffer from depression.

Now, a new study suggests information technology, specifically use of the Internet, among the elderly can reduce the chances of depression by more than 30 percent.

Researchers followed the lives of thousands of retired older Americans reviewing data collected by the Health and Retirement Survey — a survey collecting information from more than 22,000 older Americans every two years.

“The 30 percent reduction is a very strong effect,” said Shelia Cotten, Ph.D., a Michigan State University professor of telecommunication, information studies and media who led the project.

“And it all has to do with older persons being able to communicate, to stay in contact with their social networks, and just not feel lonely.”

Read More