Combatting loneliness among elderly in Wales

A package sponsored by lottery money to cut down social isolation and loneliness for elderly people in Wales is to be announced.

The £20m package, known as AdvantAGE was described by older people’s commissioner for Wales, Ruth Marks as a “step forward” in improving quality of life for the elderly. The programme, she believes, could contribute to overcoming isolation.

The scheme will be launched by actress Margaret John, 83, who stars in Gavin and Stacey and another comedy, High Hopes. She said: “I'm probably busier now than I've ever been in my career and it's been extraordinary these last few years. I've been lucky that my occupation has kept me busy and kept me going.

“Retirement certainly isn't a word that's in my dictionary and I'd be bored to death if I didn't have my work.”

AdvantAGE programme chairwoman Fran Targett said isolation could result key moments in life, such as retirement, bereavement and long-term illness. “Wales has a higher proportion of older people over 50 than any other country in the UK,” she said.

Ms Targett said that people such as Margaret John saw ageing as an opportunity for a new chapter of excitement in life. “For others, however, older age brings challenges which, without support, can be daunting and lead to social isolation and loneliness,” she added.

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