Age Scotland service aims to get older people connected and less lonely in 2023

Age Scotland is encouraging older people looking for new opportunities, groups and activities to get involved in this year to access their free Community Connecting service.

This service aims to reduce loneliness and social isolation in older people across Scotland by connecting them to organisations that offer friendship, social activities, health and fitness groups and events. Anyone aged 50 and over can get in touch with Age Scotland’s free 0800 12 44 222 helpline for information on groups and activities in their local area.

The charity estimate that more than 200,000 older people rely on social clubs and groups for company – a fifth of adults aged over 65 in Scotland. The charity recently published Keeping the Doors Open, a report highlighting the pressures faced by older people’s groups, their extensive benefits to their local communities, and calling for action from governments, local authorities and funders to help support them.

The charity is also looking for volunteers who can spare a few hours each week to support the service.

Age Scotland’s Head of Telephony Services, Laura Stenhouse, said:

“It’s the time of year when people are thinking about their New Year’s resolutions, and our Community Connecting service is the perfect place for older people who are looking for new opportunities, groups or activities that fit their interests.

“Our national helpline often receives calls from older people feeling isolated or lonely and the Community Connecting service aims to tackle this head on. While it was paused during the pandemic as group activity was vastly reduced, we are delighted to be back and building up our database of resources and groups again.

“We’ve been asked to help find all sorts of different opportunities – from Men’s Sheds to IT classes, exercise to befriending opportunities. Feeling connected to the local community is a huge factor in tackling loneliness and isolation and can make a huge difference to the wellbeing of older people.

“There’s something for everyone. It all starts with a call and a friendly chat through our free 0800 12 44 222 helpline. We’d also love to hear from organisations who would like us to refer potential new members to their group or service or anyone who would like to volunteer to support the service.”