Loneliness and ill health

The British Heart Foundation have said that the University of York has now found a link between loneliness and heart disease.

Loneliness and social isolation were associated with a 29% higher risk of developing coronary heart disease and a 32% increased risk of a stroke.

The scientists at the University of Edinburgh have also discovered a link between testosterone and heart disease, which may explain why men are at a higher risk of heart disease then women.

I think it really sad that some people are still isolated and lonely in this day and age. There are so many activities and things they can join where I live, but I guess it is not that straight forward if you are unable to get out unassisted.

Re: Loneliness and ill health

It's absolutely true Mups. When I lived in the UK we invited three local pensioners to Christmas dinner every year. I loved their company. It also brought memories back of my mum and dad and our Christmases together. All their lovely stories of when they were young.

It was a pleasure for us to do.

Re: Loneliness and ill health

Goldie will you invite this lonely ole pensioner to Christmas dinner please ........

Re: Loneliness and ill health

If you pay your own air fare you are welcome x

Re: Loneliness and ill health

Thanks goldie x

Having worked for age uk I know they have some wonderful volunteers who will pick up folk and take them out , there are trips out and events and Christmas meals and much more if only folk would make that contact . They have befrienders too who phone to chat and take them out and it's free . I realise for some it's difficult with health problems but it's a great service . Always worth a phone call even from family members .

Re: Loneliness and ill health

Hi Sue

After my divorce some plans had been cancelled last minute and I spent Christmas alone. I was too embarrassed to let my neighbours know. I locked the doors and just wished the day away.

I read about adopt a granny and from that moment on I did every year, started off with one but it ended up with three

It was a pleasure, sadly the one chap of 97 has died but the two elderly ladies have formed a friendship circle.

https://www.google.es/url?sa=t&sourc...e5OWcwVeP-daoQ

Re: Loneliness and ill health

Many people are lonely and it is like sunshine going out of your life. All ages can be lonely but the ones that feel it most are the elderly, and some who have families, hardly ever see them for various reasons
Going out to work does help and family visits, but then there are 'long lonely nights' often accompanied by insomnia.

Also, years ago people were more neighbourly and made sure people who lived alone got a regular visit or invited for a meal, and never alone at Christmas. Those days are gone.

Some Towns still have Day Centres for Pensioners and where they can have a nice meal for a small fee, and transport arranged for the dissabled

Lonley people should also if possible, make an effort too.
However it is easier for men as they can go to the Local Pub
and socialise. Lone women don'tusually do this yet years ago.

There are many intersting sites online daily ot keep you occupied if you can't get out.

Many years age there was a Pub on every Street and women went to the Snug and made merry with Port and Lemon or Gin and Tonic,..and even staggered home singing 'Nellie Dean'and sometimes.... 'Roll me Over in the Clover' Disgracefull!

Three ladies I know have turns each making an evening meal at their homes and look forward to it

I still think the Government should proivide Free PC's for any Pensioner who can'tafford it, and pay all the fees as well.

Re: Loneliness and ill health

Which sites would you recommend Azure?

Re: Loneliness and ill health

For some, loneliness is by choice.

When I was in my last house the old man next door but two declined all offers of company.

Re: Loneliness and ill health

This one