What can I do if I'm feeling lonely?

Older people can find it hard to ask for help, especially if they’re quite proud and have always been independent. Due to life changes such as retirement, the death of spouses or friends, a decline in physical health, and many people over the age of 75 living alone, loneliness is a common occurrence within this age group.

Social isolation can negatively impact both our physical and mental health, with many people developing depression, anxiety, and an overall decline in health and fitness.

What can I do?

If you or your loved one is experiencing severe loneliness, there are some things you could do to help.

Get out and about

Inviting a family member or friend round for lunch could be just the pick-me-up you need. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy - a simple invitation for snacks and company can make all the difference.

If you don’t have anyone nearby to keep you company, there might be some local activities and events you could try. If you’re the active type, you could look into local gyms to see if they provide any classes that suit your abilities. Perhaps swimming or gentle pilates. Walking is also a good exercise that’s easy on the body but can make a huge difference. Are there any walking groups nearby?

Or perhaps you’re more of a bingo on a Saturday night kind of person. In which case, you could ask around to see if there are any establishments nearby that organise bingo nights. Singing, dancing, and reading groups are also great opportunities to find people with similar interests and hobbies to you.

Try out technology

Now more than ever, technology is a great way to connect with family and friends. Even if they don’t live locally, you can still catch up with them through your computer, phone or tablet. FaceTime, messaging, social media, and emails are all simple ways to chat with people.

If technology isn’t your strong suit, don’t be ashamed to start small with a simple phone call. Even just five minutes of conversation can make a huge difference.

Always have something to look forward to

Having something pencilled in the diary that you enjoy can help, too. Maybe a short getaway or something as simple as a church coffee morning. If you always have something to look forward to, it can be easier to manage those feelings of loneliness and isolation - knowing that something fun and exciting is right around the corner.

Social and Companionship Care

One of the biggest barriers to taking steps to combat loneliness for older people is the ability to get themselves out there. Some illnesses and mobility issues can become really restricting - especially for those who still want to experience clubs, groups, and outings.

That’s when our social and companionship care can make all the difference. Whether you want to attend church on Sunday mornings, bingo on Saturday nights, or simply want to be able to do your weekly shop, our companionship care service can support you to live the life you want. With a friendly face to accompany you, you could still do all those things that make you happy.