Loneliness and Older People

Those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities can experience great degrees of loneliness.
In one 217 report by the Campaign to End Loneliness they found: ‘For those born overseas, cultural barriers can arise from both sides: they may feel disconnected from their country of birth, but not comfortable in the British culture their children were born into…. It’s hardly surprising that 36% of older BME people responding to one survey said they’d like more companionship and contact with others. But how can we make sure BME people do not face old age feeling alone?’ https://www.runnymedetrust.org/blog/loneliness-and-older-people-from-bme-groups
Although some families are multi-generational or close knit, this is not always the case. I want to focus on the increasing number of older individuals or couples who face old age alone. There are many reasons that increase this problem, but for areas like Wiltshire, when children move away to look for work, and the older parents are left. There are also everyday problems of low income and poor health which can pay a particular part in people becoming cut off not just from their own community but from neighbours and wider society. So what can be done?
Care plans should include questions about how do you socialize? but recipients of social care have to be confident to talk about this. Ask about your neighbours if you haven’t seen them for a while. When you’re at an event look around and see who’s missing and find out why! When community events are organised, find out who needs a taxi, wheelchair services or a carer or volunteer to sit with them? Above all let’s start asking older people who live alone, what they would like to happen and not just take this problem for granted.