Campaign to End Loneliness Will Improve Life and Health

Many people in the world today struggle with loneliness and social isolation, but this seems to be particularly a challenge that people face as they grow older. Even in a world where technology allows us to be more “connected” than ever, loneliness seems to be a stubborn companion.

According to an interview with Laura Ferguson, about 5 million older people reported that the television was their main company on any given day. It is also estimated that more than 1 million people aged over 65 suffer from regular or chronic loneliness.

In response, the Campaign to End Loneliness, where Ms Ferguson is the director, was launched in 2010 and is still going strong. The campaign was launched by a joint effort from four charities that focus on older people: Age UK Oxfordshire, Council in Care, Independent Age, and WRVS.

A major factor that plays a role in the increasing numbers of lonely older people is the fact that the older population is growing compared to younger people in the UK. According to Ms Ferguson, the numbers of lonely older people, and those who feel severely lonely, will also rise if the issue is not addressed.

It is not only important from the perspective of social well-being, but also in terms of physical health. Loneliness is about as unhealthy for a person as obesity, according to research, and also has links with early Alzheimer’s.

Loneliness also causes depression, which causes its own range of health problems to worry about. Therefore, creating a way for older people to feel less lonely and isolated will also have an important and positive impact on society in general.

Some of these effects can include older people with more energy and drive to start or maintain their own businesses or to remain in their positions at work. This, in turn, creates an older population that is also healthier in terms of their finances and ability to contribute financially to the community, the country, and the economy.

It is therefore not only in the interest of older people themselves, but also that of the country and society in general to help older people feel less lonely.

For Laura Ferguson, this means looking at research that has been done one the issue and also finding out what older people need. This information will then be used to challenge existing policies to make a difference. Perhaps this will create a platform for more research and ultimately make the world a better place for all people.

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