“All the lonely people. Where do they all come from?”
Eleanor Rigby, Lennon & McCartney
Defining loneliness is difficult. The feeling of being on your own is subjective and we are all prone to short term variations in mood during which we have a more negative interpretation of our circumstances. However, research clearly shows that we underestimate how real, how prevalent and how significant true loneliness is.
According to Age UK, more than 2 million people in England over the age of 75 live alone, and more than a million older people say they go for over a month without speaking to a friend, neighbour or family member. The fact that such loneliness affects health is not surprising. However, the size of the affect is shocking. Loneliness is a predictor of the use of Accident and Emergency services and raises the risks for a variety of physical and mental conditions: high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, and even death. Poor social relationships are associated with a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke. These are similar to the increased risks associated with smoking.
The chances of being lonely do not differ because of age – loneliness is similarly common at all ages. However, the circumstances which increase the risk of loneliness do differ by age. For example, leaving education is a commonly vulnerable time for younger people whereas the death of a loved one, and the onset of illness and disability are more often times of vulnerability for older people. Surprisingly recent research has shown that almost one in four students are lonely most or all of the time. Social media means young adults are more connected but this does not counter their feelings of isolation; sometimes it sadly perpetuates them.
Social activities are an essential component of successful approaches to tackling loneliness. Communities that are welcoming, attractive, feel safe and have amenities for all residents can help prevent people from becoming lonely. I think we are very lucky to live and work in such communities. The Friends of Wyndham House support a lot of local groups, the Room4U in Silverton is increasing the number of events it hosts and the SCENE booklet (on our website + copies at the surgery) is a reference library of regular activities. So, there are opportunities; however lonely people find it hard to reach out. There is a stigma surrounding loneliness, and older people tend not to ask for help because they have too much pride. This requires people in the community to recognise that people are lonely and to invite them along, encourage them to join in. This requires compassion, empathy and understanding. However, it could all start with a friendly smile, a simple ‘Hello, How are you?’, maybe to the person sitting beside you the next time you are in the surgery waiting room.
Anthony O’Brien
Wyndham House Surgery