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."
Reader comments
Barbara MacArthur There is a difference to being alone and being lonely.
Posted by: Stephen Harrison | 20/05/2008 09:08:51
I would like to draw your readers attention to the work undertaken by Methodist Homes Assosiation (M.H.A).They manage a number of Live at Home Schemes, nationally. The primary aim of these schemes is to assist the elderly in continuing to live at home as long as possible.This is achieved principally by befriending on a one-to-one or group basis.This work is managed professionally by qualified staff and volunteers.Further details may be obtained from M.H.A. Epworth House, Stuart Street, Derby DE1 2EQ. Tel. 01332 296200
Posted by: Michael Simpson | 30/01/2008 16:48:55
I have to smile when I read that many Britons fear being lonely in their old age. You see, as a pensioner I gave up my job and 16 years of my life to care for my elderly parents who I brought from their council flat to live with me and my son. They were not coping and dreaded the thought of having to go to a nursing home. They both died within a month of each other in my home in their 90’s. Now, at the age of 82 I am still the sole carer for my 54-year old autistic, insulin diabetic, asthmatic, learning-difficulties son. I love him to bits, but the continuous years of strain and the fact that more and more cutbacks means that there is even less help available than ever, makes me wish I could have the opportunity at times to be lonely! Thank you
Posted by: Barbara MacArthur | 26/01/2008 18:57:17
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.