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Loneliness – the hidden killer of the elderly

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2,750+ reviews
Posted on 9th February 2011.

As reported widely in the media over the last few years, loneliness is a hidden killer amongst the elderly, threatening health as much as obesity or smoking, and believed to lead to an increased risk of depression, lack of exercise and poor eating habits. According to Age UK, “Everyone feels lonely from time to time. But for many of us, particularly those in later life, loneliness can start to define our lives and have a significant impact on our wellbeing.”

Loneliness should be considered when choosing care later in life, for instance, where would you feel less lonely, in a care home surrounded by strangers, or at home with a live-in carer chosen by you, who you can build a strong relationship with?

According to the Campaign to End Loneliness, “In 2022, 49.63% of adults (25.99 million people) in the UK reported feeling lonely occasionally, sometimes, often or always.” Researchers rate loneliness as a higher health risk than lifelong smoking, with links between a lack of social interaction with the onset of degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, an illness which costs the NHS an estimated 20 billion a year.

There are many different types of loneliness, commonly considered to be emotional loneliness, which refers to the absence of meaningful relationships in one’s life, and social loneliness, which is a perceived deficit in the quality of social connections. Other types include existential loneliness, which is a feeling of fundamental separateness from the wider world and others in it, and situational loneliness, more common at certain times like Sundays, bank holidays, or Christmas.

Loneliness is increasing, partly due to greater numbers living on their own through increased longevity, and families disperse from where they were brought up. More than half of those over the age of 75 live alone and some suffer intense loneliness. This can be counteracted by having regular care at home, especially if your carer lives in, and as a large part of the live-in care role is companionship that’s another advantage over a care home.

Care homes tend to have many different staff caring for you, as well as other residents, which can make it difficult to build relationships. Live-in care allows you to remain as independent as possible in the home you love, while having support with all your life’s essential tasks. Live in care also enables you to get out and about, helping you to enjoy your local community or go further afield, which also helps to combat loneliness and keep the onset of degenerative diseases at bay.

A recent quote from one of our live-in care customers illustrates the point perfectly:

“I am writing to tell you about my lovely carers Simone and Michelle, they have changed my life. For young carers they are so loving, understanding, as well as being good companions and friends. They are a tremendous credit to Helping Hands.”

Page reviewed by Sarah Franklin on September 6, 2023

Sally Tomkotowicz