Did you know that in the UK one million older people say they feel lonelier than ever at Christmas time?
Loneliness is a growing problem for older people on our Island, one in six older Islanders (aged 65+) live alone.
Loneliness can have different causes and consequences
Feeling lonely doesn’t necessarily mean you have no one nearby. You may be surrounded by friends and family, but still feel lonely.
Loneliness is unique to every individual. It can have different causes and consequences for each of us. If you are lonely, your local Age UK Isle of Wight is here.
Impact of loneliness
The effect of loneliness and isolation can be as harmful to our health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Loneliness is associated with depression, sleep problems, hypertension, impaired cognitive health, heightened vascular resistance, psychological stress and mental health problems.
If you are lonely it is important to take steps to try and make new connections. Your local Age UK Isle of Wight can help you take this first step. Call (01983) 525282 or visit the Website today.
Supported by Megan Baker Estate Agents
Age UK Isle of Wight’s annual appeal is supported by Megan Baker Estate Agents, with the aim of raising awareness about the charities befriending service as well as appealing for support of local volunteers to help to relive local loneliness.
The charities offer vital companionship for older residents who are isolated, however, they are struggling to meet the current demand and are in desperate need of additional volunteer support.
Befriending can be done in person or from the comfort of you own home over the telephone and can be as little as a half an hour a week commitment. Could you donate your time to help Age UK Isle of Wight to combat loneliness?
Donations welcome
For those who aren’t able to donate their time, monetary donations are also welcomed to help to secure the future of their vital social isolation services. 100 per cent of all donations stay on the Island helping Age UK Isle of Wight to support our older residents, not only at Christmas, but all year round.
Age UK Isle of Wight have many ways that you can help them to provide continued crucial support for which the charity is so well known, some even without it costing you a penny.
Find out how, by visiting their Website.
News shared by Elisha on behalf of Age UK Isle of Wight. Ed
