Tackling loneliness among older people with #takesone2018
Loneliness is a way of life for more than six million British people over the age of 65. This is concerning for so many reasons, not least because the long term effects of feeling alone can be profound. According to a survey carried out by McCarthy & Stone in September 2018, one in five older people who are lonely say they feel invisible. Sadly, the vast majority of have never told anyone how lonely they feel.
Did you know?
- A study of 1,000 adults over the age of 65 shows 53% often feel lonely, especially when they are home alone.
- More than 1 in 5 adults said that being lonely made them feel invisible.
- A staggering 80% of those who are lonely said they have never told anyone about this.
53%
of adults over the age of 65 often feel lonely
8%
said they haven't had contact with their family in over a month
19%
said they felt they had no-one to turn to
It takes one person, one moment, one action to make a change.
Our research also showed that a resounding 68% agree a small action from others – family, friends, neighbours and those within the local community – would make all the difference to how lonely they feel. So, at McCarthy & Stone, we think it is time for all of us to act. If we ALL pledge to undertake a small act of kindness, together we can start to turn this problem around.Join us on our quest to enrich the quality of life of the older people in our communities and make a difference today. What are you going to pledge to do? Take a look at our pledge wall below for inspiration.
I truly believe that in life you can’t expect people to come to you…From the outside it can look like you’re coping and that you’re fine, so people don’t bother. You need to meet them half way and be more open with how you’re feeling. Also what you have to remember is that it’s really easy to feel like everyone else around you is constantly busy and you’re the only one that’s not, but most of the time you only see what they want you to see or what they post on social media…
