Statement on survey results

Age Cymru’s chief executive Victoria Lloyd says: “We undertook a national survey of older people’s experiences of the pandemic during the summer of 2020 and found that more than three quarters (78%) of the respondents said not being able to see friends and family was their biggest challenge.

“The survey of more than 1,000 older people found that loneliness and isolation, already a significant issue for many older people, was compounded by the pandemic with nearly a third (32%) saying they were lonely, rising to 55% amongst those living alone, while nearly half of the respondents (44%) said they found the situation mentally and emotionally challenging.

“Many of the usual meeting places that older people used such as lunch clubs, day centres and places of worship are no longer available while many of their sporting, creative and volunteering activities have also stopped.

“The pandemic is also placing extra pressure on older carers who often struggle on their own with less support from care services.

“Digital technology can help connect many older people to their peers and there are some really good schemes throughout Wales supporting older people to go online.

“However, we need to remember that more than half of those aged over 75 do not have access to such facilities. And with many organisations increasing their provision of services and information online, we need to be careful that we are not adding to the levels of isolation and loneliness experienced by many older people.

“It is therefore vital that communities continue to support older people through difficult times by offering to do some shopping, pick up prescriptions and also by arranging to have a chat over the telephone or perhaps leave a note with to let them know you are there for them should they need your support.”