Healthy living
Mind matters
Loneliness a major worry among older people
Fear of being alone is major source of anxiety as we grow old, according to a new survey
Isolation and lack of contact with friends and family in old age is seen as a greater worry than concerns about declining health or finances.
elderlyparents.org.uk - an organisation which provides free advice to children coping with the demands of ageing parents - found that nearly half of those questioned said being lonely was their main concern in the future.
A third of respondents said securing their home against intruders was a priority. One in five remain anxious about managing household chores while five per cent feared being unable to contact anyone in an emergency.
Mike Bingham of elderlyparents.org.uk said: "Traditionally worries about health and maintaining independence are seen as the main concerns, but it appears the next generation of older people will be just as concerned with their emotional well-being as their health.
"This will heap huge pressure on the so-called Sandwich Generation, those people coping with the demands of elderly parents and their own children.
"Feeling guilty about not spending enough time with their elderly relatives is just one more thing for them to worry about."
The findings painted a bleak picture of life for Britain's pensioners, with an estimated 300,000 saying they often go an entire month without speaking to family or neighbours.
Mr Bingham added: "It is a fairly depressing picture but it is important to know that there is help and support for people looking after elderly parents.
"That can mean anything from arranging for private home visits for your parents or something as simple as getting them online, where they can talk to other people in chat rooms."
Information on this site is for interest only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should consult your own doctor about any specific health concerns.
