A new guide for local authorities outlines how they can start dealing with the epidemic of loneliness and overcome this major public health issueLoneliness is a growing concern for older people,and can beget devastating consequences for a person’s mental and physical health. Studies beget found loneliness can be more harmful than smoking 15 cigarettes a day, increases the risk of premature death by 30% and the chances of developing dementia by 64%. More than one million people aged over 65 are thought to be lonely – around 10-13% of older people. Not only does loneliness cause suffering on a personal level for those affected, or it is heaping pressure on council and health services,as it is often the tipping point for referrals to adult social care. Related: Loneliness 'forces older people into hospitals' and strains services, say senior doctors Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com