Friends of the Elderly Campaign Back

Date published: May 13, 2021

Friendship is a precious commodity that can seem scarce as we get older, especially if you are living alone.

We are more likely to experience loneliness as we get older as our circumstances change and we do not have people to call on as much as we used to. Loneliness can have a devastating impact on our lives, but there are many ways we can make sure we stay connected with the people and communities around us as we get older.

Lonely feelings can lead to negative emotional wellbeing, causing feelings of depression and anxiety. However, by developing close bonds with others, a person will begin to overcome those emotions, instead of feeling an increased sense of belonging as well as improved confidence and self-worth.

Social interactions and engaging with other people will stimulate the brain, working to exercise a range of cognitive functions.

According to Age UK, more than 2 million people in England over the age of 75 live alone, and more than a million older people say they go for over a month without speaking to a friend, neighbour, or family member.

People have become more socially isolated since the pandemic due to shielding or self-isolation, it is important to Hankinson we give back to the community we work.

We have recently launched our Friends of the Elderly campaign, Gemma Besford our Customer Care Manager contacted the Scheme Manager to ask if any residents within Jubilee Court were suffering from loneliness.

Gemma contacted residents who have felt loneliness over the past couple of months, they explained how isolated they felt throughout lockdown. They chatted over “normal” things and had light-hearted conversation’s which has raised the spirits of the residents. Gemma has also arranged further “Check in “calls to keep the morale high.

We appreciate that sometimes small actions can have big impacts, and this certainly seems to be the case on this occasion.