|
SEARCH | SUBSCRIBE | ||
Want to support Global Action on Aging? Click below: Thanks!
|
UK:
Isolated Elderly are Invited to Step Out By Jenny Rees
June 2, 2003 UK - Isolated, lonely older people are
being offered discounted travel and activities to promote "active
aging". Research shows that a million people in
the UK feel trapped in their own home, with poverty one of the main causes
of isolation. But it is hoped a Help the Aged and
British Gas initiative will help to draw older people out of their
solitude, and ensure they are properly included in society. Low income and poor health often mean
that many older people become confined to their homes, with fear of crime
also a big factor. One fifth of older people are so
concerned about their finances that they will rarely use the telephone or
go out on social occasions. Iris Aubrey, the honorary secretary for
St Thomas Day Care Centre in Swansea, said many older people worry that
they need to have money saved away to leave for their family. "They're also afraid they're going
to run out of money for a funeral," she said. "Some people are also too proud to
ask for money. "If you're staring at four walls
every week it can be quite lonely and loneliness is a killer. "People need company as much as
anything else, and when they first come to the day centre the noise is
terriblebecause they probably haven't spoken to people for a long time. "But it can be quite difficult to
launch yourself into a room full of strangers. "Sometimes they don't see anyone
for days, only the postman or milkman. "I don't blame families,because
they have to work to pay the mortgage; it's not easy today." Mrs Aubrey said day trips or pub
lunches are a big event for many older people, and they are thrilled to be
out and about, so the "Stepping Out" initiative, which runs
until the end of June will be a huge boost to many older people. The scheme offers reduced-price
admission to houses, gardens, theatres and restaurants, as well as travel
concessions to allow people to enjoy fulfilled and independent lives. The main attractions in Wales this
summer are Rhondda Heritage Park, Caldicot Castle and Country Park, the
Home Front Experience in Llandudno and the Llandudno Ski and Snowboard
Centre. Last year the project helped nearly
58,000 people and it is hoped that even more people will benefit this
year. Research by Help the Aged shows that the most severely isolated and lonely are people aged over 75, particularly older women, those who are widowed and those living alone. Copyright
© 2002 Global Action on Aging |