Loneliness is one of the biggest issues reported by elderly people living alone, and particularly so at Christmas, but simply by being a good neighbour, you can help address this and improve your own health at the same time.
Taking the time to call on someone elderly or care-dependent can have a number of unlikely benefits; even more so if you take children with you.
Young people benefit from improved personal and social development when they are given the chance to interact with older generations; something which happens less these days as far fewer of us now live with our grandparents. And while it’s fun to message and post away online, a smile, a chat and a couple of
laughs with another human – in person – will do far more to improve your mental well-being, reduce stress and improve self-esteem.
It could also make the day of the person you choose to spend some time with. It doesn’t need to be long – a quick cup of tea or an offer to pick up some shopping
while you visit the supermarket are not that difficult to squeeze into the daily routine.
“The Christmas holiday period is a particularly difficult time for people on their own, and an ideal time to be a good neighbour and help conquer social isolation in our communities,” said Mark Booker from Independent Living Chorley. “We put companionship at the heart of our care services but there are too many older people going for days without any proper company and that is just fundamentally wrong.”
If you are interested in joining the Independent Living care team to provide care and companionship, please visit our Careers page for further info and to apply.
