Colm Fitzpatrick
It’s important to reach out to old people living alone this Christmas, writes Colm Fitzpatrick
Christmas is often associated with joy, thanksgiving and family. However, for over a third of older people in Ireland, this festive holiday will only elicit fear, sadness and isolation.
Loneliness, an often ignored epidemic, is plaguing the cities, towns and countrysides of Ireland, preying on the most vulnerable in our society. Although it remains hidden, it’s psychological and physical effects can be detrimental, sometimes leading to depression and even suicide.
A new survey released last month carried out by ALONE, an Irish charity that supports older people at home, showed that alongside financial problems and poor health, loneliness was the biggest fear for OAP’s in Ireland. The statistics highlight the shocking reality of the situation: in Ireland, one in three people aged 65 or over live alone, as do three in five people aged 80. This worrying situation has manifold causes such as the death of a partner, lack of family support or retirement.
Seán Moynihan, CEO of ALONE, told The Irish Catholic, “People don’t realise that it’s a journey. Older people begin to lose different relationships with their colleagues, partners and families – if there are fewer services in the community, then the less people will talk.
“We don’t expect the pain and struggle of living on our own. It challenges mortality and disability. People lose heart. It’s hard to keep on top of your physical and mental health. Your mental health will suffer if you don’t speak to anybody, if there’s nobody to talk to, to come round, to share opinions, to debate, to give lifts to the hospital. It’s a huge problem.”
Independence
Although loneliness can affect all ages, its impact is particularly acute on older people as they are more susceptible to illnesses or may lack social mobility, which can have a huge impact on their independence.
Many studies have shown that there is a strong correlation between loneliness and a reduced lifespan, with it being more dangerous than smoking 15 cigarettes a day and twice as deadly as obesity. As a result, the outward symptoms aren’t always obvious or immediate and can build up silently over time.
A partial list of the physical diseases caused or exacerbated by loneliness include, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, fragmented sleeping patterns, Alzheimer’s, increased cognitive decline, and neuro-degenerative diseases. In fact, one study has even shown that women with fewer social ties were 43% more likely to see their breast cancer return and 64% more likely to die from breast cancer. Without a support network, mortality increases.
In 2016, 4,500 people were supported by befriending services nationwide, an increase of 42%. ALONE’s Befriending Service provides companionship to older people who are socially isolated through a weekly volunteer visit as well as a range of social events. The volunteers visit older people one hour a week, make regular check-in phone calls and also help out with small practical support when appropriate and necessary. Its impact has not gone unnoticed. Leo, a befriending case study, had been living alone in Dublin for the last 14 years, and after retirement found himself feeling increasingly isolated and lonely.
“I was just sitting in, smoking. I had no exercise. I needed help to look after my daily chores. I wasn’t cooking. I wasn’t doing anything. I was probably depressed but I didn’t know it,” he said. After ALONE was recommended to him by a public health nurse, he was introduced to an ALONE volunteer who has changed his life.
“Had I not been put in touch with ALONE I dread to think where I’d be now. It’s shown me a door to a way back into society. Instead of isolating myself I now want to get out.”
Initiatives
These types of initiatives which offer engaging social interaction provide the help and support that many older people so badly need.
Commenting on the increase of older people using befriending services, Seán Moynihan said: “I don’t think that people are aware just how devastating loneliness can be for your general health. Not only can loneliness lead to depression, but it is also a predictor for dementia, cardiovascular disease and decreased immune system responsivity,” adding that as we enter winter calls for support will dramatically increase with loneliness being one of the main issues.
By providing support to older people at home, the impending demand on healthcare will also be alleviated, as older people are being forced to remain in hospital beds due to lack of supports to go home.
“In 2016, 20% of older people had issues with home adaptations and 10% were unable to keep their homes warm. These numbers highlight the lack of housing choices and supports for older people in the community,” explained Seán.
“ALONE believes that Ireland’s impending ageing demographic requires a move away from traditional models of care towards alternative models that harness community resources,” he says, noting that since 2016, the charity has been developing a technology platform that supports people at home and is operated through mobile apps and home sensors. In this way, social interaction and support can be more immediate.
Although loneliness is difficult to face at all times in the year, the aches of it are often more pronounced around the Christmas season. At a time when families come back together to share and celebrate, the effects of loneliness become more marked. “Loneliness is evident around Christmas,” says Seán. “It is a time of reflection, renewal and rebirth. When people are on their own it is heightened.” As a result, ALONE volunteers will be out supporting older people this Christmas, providing Christmas dinners and conversations.
This year it has partnered with An Post for its ‘Do One Thing’ campaign. Baz Ashmawy launched the campaign which encourages members of the public to reach out to older people experiencing loneliness by sending them a personalised An Post card. Speaking at the launch, Baz said, “We are asking people to do one thing this Christmas – send a lovely Christmas card to an older person! For just €5 you can go online, order a card and write a nice message to an older person linked in with ALONE.
“An Post will then print and post the card. Every card sent will raise money for ALONE, as well as making a huge difference to that older person’s Christmas.” €3.20 from every card sold will go directly to ALONE’s services.
However, it is not just up to charities to show solidarity with the older generation. Combating loneliness is a communal responsibility and so everyone has their part to play. By reaching out to someone, Christmas can be transformed from a time of loneliness and misery to one of joy and companionship.
“People need to be cognisant, and aware and to think about older people,” explained Seán. “Really make the effort, drop in on a family member, a neighbour or an ex-work colleague. People will appreciate the call and the communication.”
For those who are intimidated by asking for help this Christmas out of fear or unsureness, ALONE urges you to pick up the phone and take the first step in changing your life.
“Please reach out and give us a call. People are picking up the phone, it’s a brave thing to do. There’s no stigma involved, and our volunteers will help you stay in power and control of your life. There is no reason why what you are experiencing has to be the same next year”.
To find out more about ALONE and for support during this Christmas period, see http://alone.ie/