As new research suggests one in seven people over 65 are depressed in Surrey, Age UK appeals to combat age related loneliness
More and more studies are revealing that loneliness among the older generation is worryingly prevalent in our society.
Experts have told us that loneliness could be more deadly than smoking, obesity and cancer, with social isolation increasing an older person's chances of premature death by 14%. Given that 41% nationally say that their TV or Pet is now their main form of company, this is highly concerning news.
Now a new poll of UK GPs, carried out by ComRes for the Campaign to End Loneliness, found that three quarters of doctors (76%) report that between one and five patients a day attend their surgery primarily because they are lonely. This could mean that as many as one in 10 patients arriving at GPs surgeries are there not because they are medically unwell, but because they are lonely.
Worryingly, almost half (49%) of the doctors questioned said they were not confident they had the tools necessary to help their lonely patients, with only 13% of doctors confident in being able to help.
But panic not, Age UK Surrey is on hand. Their befriending service offers home visits, telephone conversations and trips out to many older people who often speak to nobody week after week.
Unfortunately the service is under threat as their core funding has been withdrawn. Their volunteers visit people in Guildford and Waverley, but there are elderly people in other areas also wanting to be visited.
Age UK are now appealing to the public to help support the older members of their community. £5 will buy a half hour visit, £10 a trip out and it costs just over £100 to keep the service going for a week.
Visit ageuksurrey.org and select DONATE, or text with the “AUKS50” and an amount of £1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10 to 70070, or call 01483 446652
