Andy Nazer Ambassador

no-one that wants company We believe that no-one that wants company should be without it.

Loneliness and Isolation Loneliness is subjective: The unwelcome feeling of a gap between the social connections we want and the ones we actually have. Loneliness can be social or emotional, transient, situational or chronic. Isolation is objective: A measure of the contacts or interactions that we actually have. “Social isolation is being by yourself. Loneliness is not liking it.” (Independent Age)

Loneliness in the UK www.campaigntoendloneliness.org.uk OVER 80% Of GPs surveyed say they see 1-5 patients each day who they believe are lonely www.campaigntoendloneliness.org.uk // @EndLonelinessUK www.campaigntoendloneliness.org.uk

Nationally and Locally… Nationally over 1.1 million older people say they are ‘always’ or ‘often’ experiencing loneliness, this equates to around 2,500 older people in East Herts and over 20,000 in Hertfordshire 12% of older people (3,000 in East Herts) feel trapped in their own home 24% (6,000 in East Herts) do not go out socially at least once a month Around 9,000 older people live alone in East Herts. 4,000 are women aged over 75 www.campaigntoendloneliness.org.uk

Loneliness harms physical health Lonely older people are likely to be… Smokers / drinkers Overweight and not eat well Skipping medication Undertaking less physical activity Accordingly, an increased likelihood of Diabetes Stroke Coronary heart disease Chronic lung disease Arthritis and mobility impairment www.campaigntoendloneliness.org.uk // @EndLonelinessUK

Loneliness harms mental health Linked to… 64% increased risk of developing clinical dementia Development of anxiety and depression Correlates with self-reported poor health and psychological distress Can predict suicidal behaviours in older age www.campaigntoendloneliness.org.uk // @EndLonelinessUK

Overall… Lonely older people when compared to those who do not experience loneliness are: 1.8 times more likely to visit their GP; 1.6 times more likely to visit A&E; 1.3 times more likely to have emergency hospital admissions; 3.5 times more likely to enter residential care. It is estimated that the risk to health experienced by a chronically lonely person is comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. www.campaigntoendloneliness.org.uk // @EndLonelinessUK // @Andy_Nazer

The “bottom line…” Lonely older people experience poor quality of life, get sicker, and die quicker.

local authorities and service providers So, what can we all do? local authorities and service providers Provide the strategic lead: Create the plan Facilitate the partnerships Drive awareness, prompt others… Identify those most in need Support the community response www.campaigntoendloneliness.org.uk // @EndLonelinessUK // @Andy_Nazer

So, what can we all do? The community Support local initiatives that drive awareness / prompt others… Join local partnerships / establish new ones Help identify those in need Facilitate events that bring people together Keep in touch with the most vulnerable www.campaigntoendloneliness.org.uk // @EndLonelinessUK // @Andy_Nazer

So, what can we all do? Individuals Stay in touch with older family and friends Offer practical help Share your time – volunteer Help with household tasks Share a meal Watch for signs of illness Become the “link” with the community www.campaigntoendloneliness.org.uk // @EndLonelinessUK // @Andy_Nazer

Coming soon…

Join us! More information… Thank you! www.campaigntoendloneliness.org Email: info@campaigntoendloneliness.org.uk Tweet: @EndLonelinessUK www.lonelyinherts.org.uk Email: info@lonelyinherts.org.uk Tweet: @lonelyinherts Andy Nazer Tel: 07885 819251 Email: andynazer@lonelyinherts.org.uk Tweet: @andy_nazer Thank you! More information… www.campaigntoendloneliness.org.uk // @EndLonelinessUK