What do you think of when you think of someone that’s lonely?
For me, this has often been an image of an elderly person. However, loneliness is something that affects all of us, and in fact younger people aged 16-29 are the group most likely to report that they are lonely often or always. (Office of National Statistics, 2021). Covid-19 certainly made it more difficult for young people to connect, especially for those already experiencing challenges in their lives. And that is the case for older generations too, there are certain risk factors that increase as people get older, such as being single, separated or bereaved, having a long term health condition or disability and experiencing poverty. The Campaign to End Loneliness has produced extensive information on the risk factors for loneliness and how damaging it is to our health, including reducing life expectancy and increasing risk of certain conditions. Often these combined risk factors and older age mean opportunities for social connection reduce.
However, it is not just the social activities which people have benefitted from.
Theresa, a member of MHA, was thrilled with a trip to Marwell Zoo in the electric car. She explained how the door to door service had made such a difference and she was able to go somewhere where she hadn’t been to for years. But it wasn’t just the fun of the zoo and ability to enjoy a coffee with someone there, but the journey itself. The quiet electric car provided an opportunity to chat with another lady in the car, someone who she hadn’t met before and connect during the journey. This has been one of the learnings to come out of our collaborative projects. While sustainable transport options have been established to take people to activities to connect with others, it is also the journey itself that has provided those social spaces. An opportunity to talk to new people, connect with others in the vehicle as well as chatting with the staff/volunteers and drivers. Indeed, those using the electric minibus with Age Concern Hampshire have described how the engine is so much quieter than the previous diesel engine, thus providing a quieter journey and enabling easier conversations during the journey from home to activities.
The Great Get Together coming up (23-25 June) is an ideal opportunity to celebrate or initiate connections.
It’s for neighbours, communities and organisations to come together. People can get together for picnics, in community centres and in any way they wish to connect.
“We have far more in common that that which divides us” – Jo Cox
