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Loneliness rife among older men
Thursday, 26 July 2012
Many men over 75 suffer from lack of social contact and depression
190,000 British men over 75, who live alone, are lonely according to WRVS research, which identified 36 per cent spend more than 12 hours of the day on their own.
The research found that these men are more likely to be lonely than women, however they are less likely to confide in friends and family about their feelings (11 per cent men, 24 per cent women).
The findings also highlight the extent to which these men are socially isolated with 41 per cent typically having two or less face to face conversations a day and one in 33 (three per cent) having none.
There is widespread agreement amongst experts that loneliness is a serious health issue because it makes it more likely that older people will develop illnesses that reach crisis level and need hospital care.
Loneliness is ‘major health issue’
It is also associated with poor mental health and, more surprisingly, with conditions such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension and dementia.
By Philippa Roxby Health reporter, BBC News
“No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main,” wrote the poet John Donne in the 17th century, in an expression of loneliness and longing.
Some people seek isolation, but few choose to be lonely, primarily because it isn’t good for us.
Loneliness doesn’t just make people unhappy, research shows that it has an effect on mortality too.
It is also associated with poor mental health and, more surprisingly, with conditions such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension and dementia.
Loneliness is a public health issue that should be tackled urgently, says Laura Ferguson, director of the Campaign to End Loneliness, a coalition of organisations working to combat the problem including Age UK.
Carers to benefit from £3.9million new communications and support service
CARERS in South Devon are set to benefit from a £3.9million new a communications and support service.
People who look after others will now be able to access information, help, support and grant funding for short breaks, thanks to the Devon Carers’ initiative.
It was launched simultaneously across six different locations, including Kingsteignton ahead of national Carers Week.
Devon Carers brings together eight voluntary care organisations and charities in Devon.
