Study reveals two in three older adults have suffered from loneliness

Two in three older adults have suffered from loneliness – with many going days without interacting with anyone, according to research.

A study of 1,000 adults aged 65 and over found 54 per cent have gone days without talking to someone in person.

More than a third (35 per cent) feel lonelier during the winter months, and these feelings are heightened for 26 per cent when a loved one passes away.

While 18 per cent feel isolated on birthdays without many or any visitors.

But 64 per cent will rarely or never reach out to others when they are feeling lonely.

In a bid to boost their spirits, 51 per cent always have the TV or radio on at home for background noise.

Nearly half (48 per cent) will read to keep them occupied and 34 per cent will listen to their favourite music.

Rizwan Desai, ophthalmic partner at Specsavers Home Visits, which commissioned the research and provides a range of eye care services for patients who are unable to visit their opticians unaccompanied, said: “We know that many of our older patients experience loneliness and want to do as much as we can to foster a sense of community and connection, beyond helping them with their vision and hearing.

“Isolation can have a profound impact on a person’s mental and physical health, so it’s important that communities come together to support where we can. 

“Our home visits service makes sure our vulnerable patients who have difficulty leaving their homes can keep on top of their eye health and continue doing the activities they enjoy and keep them connected to their communities.”

When it comes to brightening their day and keeping in touch, 14 per cent have volunteered at charities in the local area.

With one in 10 visiting local coffee mornings to put themselves out there more.

Nearly two thirds (64 per cent) have tried to help those around them feel less lonely – with 91 per cent recognising it is a significant problem among their generation.

Over one in three (36 per cent) of these will regularly check in with calls or visits, while 18 per cent arrange regular catch ups over coffee.

And 14 per cent will offer to drive those they believe are lonely to appointments.

The research, which was conducted via OnePoll, went on to find 36 per cent would consider becoming an assisted living resident when they get old – with 45 per cent acknowledging these facilities can reduce loneliness.

Companionship with other residents of a similar age (85 per cent) is the main reason why they believe care homes can help reduce loneliness.

And 73 per cent believe organised activities for residents, like live entertainment, plays a part in keeping these feelings at bay.

Rizwan Desai added: “To bring older generations together and bring a little joy to their day, we organised a surprise party for the residents at The Meadows Care Home in Leicestershire.

 “After their routine eye tests with the Home Visits team, it was great to see residents and their families take part in an afternoon of live music, singing, good food and conversation.

 “Our team had a fantastic time and we hope the residents did too.”