Today marks the beginning of Loneliness Awareness Week.In a survey of 500 older people in Northern Ireland, over 90% said that the Commissioner should make recommendations to Government for action on loneliness and isolation.
The Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland, Eddie Lynch said:
“I believe tackling loneliness and social isolation should be a key priority for our Northern Ireland assembly and that a loneliness strategy should be implemented to ensure continued focus and action on tackling this endemic. The negative impact that loneliness has on physical and mental health is well documented and with many older people experiencing this and with our population growing older, it is a problem that will only increase.
Treating loneliness should be a collective responsibility. I hope this week many older people who are experiencing loneliness, are moved to seek support and also find comfort in the fact that they are not alone in their feelings. Please reach out to someone, there are lots of wonderful groups and organisations out there who can support in many ways.”
Visit our Loneliness and social isolation information page to find out more.
