CAMPAIGN TO END LONELINESS PROGRAM
Funded by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation. London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
Program Description
“It’s not something you think about is it until it actually happens to you then suddenly you become aware of it and realize the significance of what goes on in the world and how many people are lonely.”
–Barry ‘The Loneliness Project’
“…how do you think we can combat it”- Joe
“The answer to that probably, the key would be to be aware of people. To talk to someone in that situation who is lonely you have to, really it requires a little effort doesn’t it, that’s the key. –Barry
The Campaign to End Loneliness Program aims to increase awareness and tackle the underlying factors causing elderly loneliness. The campaign works through research, policy, campaigning and innovation to combat loneliness and inspire individuals to keep connected in older age. The campaign also recognizes the impact that access to senior transportation and senior housing has on elderly loneliness.
Some of the campaign's initiatives to fight elderly loneliness and elderly depression include:
Loneliness Harms Health Campaign - aims to reduce loneliness in the aged through health and wellbeing by working with local citizens and charities to ensure that the voice of older people is heard and loneliness in older age is addressed within UK health care system. Research has shown that loneliness has an effect on mortality and is associated with senior mental and physical health conditions, including increased risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia and senior disability.
Peer-Learning Project on Combating Loneliness -aims to help organizations prevent and alleviate loneliness in older age. The campaign supports providers of senior services and senior activities focusing on the importance of how to address loneliness and isolation in older age through case examples.
A Research Conference on Loneliness in Older Age- will gather academics and health care practitioners to share research and promote the work of the "Campaign to End Loneliness."
The Campaign to End Loneliness Program in partnership with the Department of Health has developed a how to toolkit for organizations help identify and prevent loneliness in older age. The toolkit explains:
-How to assess senior loneliness
-How to start a conversation with an older adult about loneliness with compassion while addressing an individual's specific circumstances.
-Offers solutions on how to prevent loneliness by connecting them to resources, technology and organizations.
-Covers research on the impact of loneliness on senior health.
The Campaign to End Loneliness offers elderly the following information on how to prevent loneliness:
Think about yourself - think about what you would like more of maybe time with friends or family, if so invite them to visit.
Look after yourself - if you can do something to improve your health, take small steps to improve nutrition and eat well, exercise and keep active.
Share your skills and time with others - you can offer time or specific skills by helping to volunteer in your neighborhood or with local organizations.
Your community and neighborhood - find out what local activities are being planned and book them, walks, singing groups, book clubs and bridge.
Speak to a health worker if you feel very lonely - long term loneliness could contribute to later depression and other health problems. Your doctor should be able to direct you to local senior services.
source:campaigntoendloneliness.org.uk
Senior Health
Elderly Depression & Mental Health Programs
Elderly Suicide Prevention Programs
WATCH VIDEO ON CAMPAIGN TO END LONELINESS PROGRAM |
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WATCH VIDEO ON UNDERSTANDING LONELINESS
Understanding Loneliness: is technology a bug or a fix? from Campaign to End Loneliness on Vimeo.