Tackling loneliness must be a priority

With almost a third of over-65s who live alone in the region – 91,300 older people – admitting to feeling lonely either always or often, the Yorkshire Post is calling for the issue to be universally prioritised by local authorities and we want you, our readers, to support this message.

By teaming up with the Campaign to End Loneliness, we are urging every council in the region to write loneliness and social isolation into their health and wellbeing strategies. Nine local authorities across Yorkshire fail to significantly mention the issue in the strategies devised by their health and wellbeing boards.

To back the campaign, visit the Yorkshire Post website and download a letter to send to your local authority’s health and wellbeing board.

By raising awareness of loneliness, its prevalence and its health impacts, we hope more people will volunteer for schemes that work to change the lives of older people who are in need of practical and emotional support.

Beyond the eye-opening and shocking comparison to the effects of smoking, loneliness is also linked to other major health concerns. High blood pressure, a heightened risk of cognitive decline and an increased likelihood of developing dementia and contracting cardiovascular disease are all connected to persistent loneliness.

Research shows that lonely people have a 64 per cent increased chance of developing clinical dementia. Adults aged 45 to 65 who already have heart disease, or are at risk of developing it, and live alone are more likely to die from a heart attack or stroke than those living with others. Adults aged 85 and over suffering from depression and feelings of loneliness are twice as likely to die.

If you are backing our campaign, by writing to your local health and wellbeing board or by volunteering, tell us why by emailing [email protected]

To download a letter visit www2.yorkshiretoday.co.uk/wellbeing.pdf