Support groups are popping up all over the place and social media is actually being used for good!
Remember when we all just used FaceBook to connect with our friends, when it was just the step up from Friends Reunited?
Isolation is not the same as staying in
We'll all get through this in some form of togetherness and positive thinking but even with daily phone calls, Skype sessions and WhatsApp groups it's not going to be easy for some. The fear of the virus and the inability to get basic supplies can be scary enough but this comes on top of the existing mental strain of single living.
- Loneliness is worse for you than obesity.
- Lonely people are more likely to suffer from dementia, heart disease & depression.
- Loneliness is likely to increase your risk of death by 29%.
Source: Holt-Lunstad, 2010 & 15, Valtorta et al, 2016, James et al, 2011, Cacioppo et al, 2006
According to the ONS, there are over 2.2 million people aged 75 and over living alone in Great Britain, a 24% increase over the past 20 years.
So, we all know someone, if you've got any handy tips to help, let's share them around. What's the best idea you've come up with so far?
*https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/the-facts-on-loneliness/