Elderly suffering from loneliness in the UK

Tuesday, 04 November 2008

A survey has revealed that more than a million elderly people are suffering from loneliness in the UK.

Research by charity Help the Aged shows that almost half a million pensioners leave their homes only once a week. In addition, a further 300,000 are completely housebound.

According to the charity financial hardship is one of the causes of loneliness, and at least 2.5 million UK pensioners are living below the poverty line.

Help the Aged is launching a campaign to combat loneliness among the elderly by providing 25,000 older people the chance of a Christmas dinner with friends. The charity is appealing for donations to support the cause, saying that just a £4 donation would be enough to give a single lonely pensioner the chance of a traditional festive feast.

Policy Manager at Help the Aged, Amy Swan, lamented the tragic state of affairs that for most elderly people the only person they see each week is the postman.

She went on to say that life events associated with the elderly can leave people feeling vulnerable. Events such as bereavement, poverty, wide-spread families and poor health could all have an effect. Ms Swan added that although living alone was a preferred life choice for some, for many others it can be a factor leading to isolation and loneliness.

  What's this?