Never before has the British public experienced something like the COVID-19 pandemic, but through the worst and most challenging of times, the community has prevailed. Isolation and loneliness had for too long been thought of as a challenge for the elderly, and whilst highlighted once a year or so in festive charity marketing campaigns, somehow never quite captured the imagination of the masses. Now, with millions of people have faced, facing, and soon to be facing, physical isolation from other people, it is more in the societal psyche than ever.
Despite not having been a public focus for long, a lot is already known about the facts and impacts of isolation. Here’s some you may not have realised before…
It’s very common.
According to Age UK, some 2million people aged 75 or over in the UK are socially isolated, and half of those regularly go a full month without speaking to a friend, family member, or neighbour. This is only one age group, and with coronavirus restrictions being enforced throughout 2020 and now into 2021, it’s extremely likely that rates will rise across all demographics to unprecedented levels.
Loneliness and Isolation are NOT the same things.
You can be surrounded by other people and physically able to ask for help when you need it, but this may not combat feelings of loneliness. Loneliness is an innate feeling of aloneness and insecurity and is not cured with just a text message or occasional visit to the person suffering.
Loneliness is physically very bad for you.
Feeling lonely is just that, a feeling, but the knock-on impact it has on the body can be devastating. Studies by Harvard University Health Department found that isolation and loneliness increase an individual’s risk of coronary artery disease by 29% and stroke risk by 32%. Furthermore, it declines cognitive ability: thinking and problem-solving skills decline 20% faster in those alone than those in good company. 59% of people who would identify themselves as lonely are more likely to lose the ability to perform day-to-day tasks and 45% are likely to die early.
It can be easily resolved.
While many may face temporary social isolation, be that as a result of coronavirus or otherwise, the loneliness this can result in can be easily resolved. Regular open and honest communication, in-person interaction, and even video calls can help boost the mood, improve relationships, and combat feelings of loneliness.
Care can make all the difference.
Loneliness can often surface as a result of feeling hopeless or reliant on others. Accessing adequate care as and when it’s needed can help individuals lead the independent and fulfilled life they deserve and provide regular ‘check-ins’ on both a physical and mental health level. At Abacus Care & Support we pride ourselves on our team of care staff who genuinely hold compassion and concern for our service users. The interaction with such quality care enriches their lives and ensures individuals always know just how important, needed, and valued they are, even when their family or friends aren’t able to be there.