Loneliness and older people: If you, or someone you know is lonely, then reach out to Age Cymru

Loneliness awareness week 12 - 18 June 2023

Age Cymru is urging older people to reach out and seek support if they, or someone they know, is feeling lonely.

The charity wants society to take loneliness and isolation seriously as it can be as harmful to our health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day and is generally more damaging than obesity.

It can be linked to conditions such as depression, sleep problems, tiredness, and poor mental health.  But it's not always easy to spot the signs of loneliness in a person.  So, we need to be sensitive to some of the clues such as people getting up later in the day, neglecting their appearance or personal hygiene, not eating properly, and complaining of feeling worthless.

Loneliness can be triggered by several factors such as losing a loved one, moving away from friends and family, losing the social contact provided by work, and experiencing health problems that make it difficult to go out and about.  While the cost-of-living crisis has also curtailed the social activities of many older people.

Age Cymru’s chief executive Victoria Lloyd says “There are lots of things you can do to help alleviate loneliness. Age Cymru has several activities specifically designed for older people such as Nordic Walking and Tai Chi that will accommodate a wide range of fitness levels and abilities. We also organise Walk and Talk sessions where we pair a volunteer with an older person who may have lost their confidence to walk alone. 

“We promote creative activities through our Gwanwyn project where you can meet like-minded people in a safe space, or you might like to try one of our many volunteering opportunities. And if it’s money worries that’s preventing you from engaging in your community think about contacting our Advice team to make sure you’re claiming everything to maximise your income.

“Loneliness can be a desperate and a dangerous condition if it’s not tackled.  So, if you, or someone you know, are lonely, then I urge you to reach out to charities like Age Cymru and seek the support that is available.”

You can contact Age Cymru Advice on 0300 303 44 98 between 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday, or email advice@agecymru.org.uk. You can also visit the charity’s website: www.agecymru.org.uk/advice  

Further information about our Gwanwyn project is available at www.agecymru.org.uk/gwanwyn or call 029 2043 1576, and for all our physical activities visit physicalactivity@agecymru.org.uk or call 0300 303 44 98.

Case Study: Sue Prosser

Although I am 70 this year, I am in good health. I joined the Nordic walking group on retirement as I had lot of friends who were already members.

I particularly enjoy the social aspects of the group as everybody is very friendly and chatty. New members are always welcomed, and soon become firm friends.

The social aspect of the group was invaluable after my husband died, getting me out of the house with friends and enjoying the fresh air and spectacular walks helped take my mind off my grief. 

I have since trained to be a leader, and now walk with different groups three times a week. We vary the walks to make the most of the beautiful area that we live in, and on Fridays adapt the walks to suit some members who are not as able as others.

I would definitely recommend people to join an activity group such as Nordic working as it provides exercise, fresh air, stunning scenery, companionship and a sense of well-being.

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