Combat elderly isolation this Christmas

Loneliness and social isolation is a reality for many older people all year round, but it is particularly prevalent at Christmas.

At a time when friends and family are treasured and remembered, for those who have lost loved ones or whose family live far away, getting through the Christmas period can be especially difficult.

No one should have to spend Christmas day alone, but it is estimated that over 450,000 older people will spend the festive period without any company this year

Loss of friends and family, mobility or income means that older people are particularly vulnerable to social isolation and loneliness. There are over one million older people living in isolation in the UK, and with our ageing population, geographical mobility and altered family structures, this figure is likely to rise

The risk of loneliness is therefore increasing dramatically. But so are the opportunities to prevent and treat it. We all have a responsibility to look out for those who may be suffering

The wide-ranging and all-encompassing spread of isolation across the UK has been well-documented, but the devastating effects are underestimated

Alongside the social and financial consequences, health issues such as depression, poor diet, insomnia and even stress-related chronic conditions like heart disease and strokes can be brought on or exaggerated by isolation. The fact that researchers identify isolation as having a higher health risk than life-long smoking or obesity highlights the serious nature of loneliness and its significance as a public health issue

The symptoms of elderly isolation

The symptoms of isolation are not always recognised or treated as quickly as they should be, partly because isolated individuals are less likely or less able to seek the help they need

Furthermore, the first signs of an illness or worsening symptoms of a disease may not be identified, delaying medical attention and even leading to earlier death. With 49% of those aged 75 and over living alone and 200,000 not able to leave the house, isolation is a problem with real and lasting consequences for society

Isolation can happen to anyone at any time, and individuals are often unprepared for it. There are, however, certain risk factors that can increase the possibility of loneliness, such as age, limited education, being single or widowed, caring for someone else or poor health

Looking out for these features in yourself and others can help prevent and even remedy social isolation. Similarly, having family or friends who live nearby, keeping busy and healthy, and becoming an active part of the local community through either volunteering or joining a social group, are all factors that can significantly lower the risk of isolation and its effects

Over Christmas, the need to try and reduce isolation is more important than ever. The results from a recent survey undertaken by national charity Friends of the Elderly are therefore particularly worrying

Not only are our lives becoming increasingly disparate and isolated, but people are experiencing fewer acts of kindness than ever before. 9 out of 10 people will go all day without experiencing an act of kindness, and almost a quarter can’t remember the last time they performed a kind act for someone else

The survey also revealed that over a third of people have never thought about performing an act of kindness for an older person. When questioned why this was the case, 26% said they did not know how, 16% said they were too scared, 15% said they were too busy and 12% could not relate

Yet it is simple for all of us to do acts of kindness could include helping an older person with their shopping, giving up your seat on public transport or making a call to someone who may be lonely

There is no complex, radical cure for social isolation. If we can transform thought into action, and consider the simple things that might have a big impact, we can make a real difference to older people within our families and our communities this Christmas. Performing simple acts of kindness is can be the first step towards combatting social isolation and loneliness, and it is a step we can all take