The ‘terrible poverty of loneliness’

Ending loneliness and isolation was the topic of discussion at a Cross Party Group (CPG) at the Scottish Parliament today.

Presenting at the CPG on Older People, Age and Ageing, were Esther Rantzen CBE, who spoke about Silver Line Scotland (0800 4 70 80 90) - a 24-hour helpline for older people in Scotland which is run in partnership with Age Scotland, and Isabella Goldie, the Mental Health Foundation's Head of Scotland.

A survey last year suggested that around 240,000 people aged 55 and over in Scotland, and 2.5 million in the UK as a whole, often feel lonely (15% of the population over 55).

Esther Rantzen CBE, who had the idea of a helpline for older people after experiencing loneliness herself following the loss of her husband, said: "I've come to the conclusion that loneliness is associated with loss. It can be loss of a partner, it can be loss of a job, it can be loss of sense, sight or hearing, it can be loss of a driving licence, it can be loss of mobility.

"But what it does, it draws in the horizons of your life and your front door becomes a barrier that becomes more and more difficult to cross because what it erodes is self-esteem and confidence."

Brian Sloan, Chief Executive of Age Scotland revealed that since November 25, when Age Scotland partnered with The Silver Line Helpline to deliver Silver Line Scotland, around 8000* people in Scotland have called, with around 40 per cent of calls being related to loneliness.

Isabella Goldie made reference to a quote from Mother Theresa: "The most terrible poverty is loneliness, and the feeling of being unloved."

Explaining how research has shown loneliness to be as bad for someone's health as smoking, Mrs Goldie said: "Loneliness leads to much poorer health outcomes. Neurological street hormones increase and the immune system and cardiovascular system are affected as a result of that."

Sandra White, MSP and Convenor of the Cross Party Group on Cross Party Group on Older People, Age and Ageing: "The issues of isolation and loneliness are ones which can have a particular impact on older people and a real detrimental effect on their quality of life. Sometimes a simple phone call and chat is enough to reassure them that someone's there to listen to them and that is why the fantastic work being done through Silver Line Scotland, in partnership with Age Scotland, is so important.

"We need to continue to give as much support as we can to these invaluable services to ensure that they can continue making a real difference to people's lives."

 

*This figure includes calls received in Scotland via both the 0800 4 70 80 90 number and Age Scotland's previous helpline number.