Page 4 - Bayswater Gardens Newsletter Spring 2019_FINAL

4 BAYSWATER NEWS, SPRING 2019
Health & Wellbeing

Cheer up the Lonely Day

By Kerry Mann, CEO Cranbrook Care The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that there
were 493,000 people aged 85 years and over in Australia
in 2017, making up 2% of the population. This group is
The 11th July was Cheer up the Lonely Day which serves projected to grow rapidly reaching between 3.6% and
as an important reminder that feelings of loneliness are 4.4% in 2066. These figures demonstrate that maximising
unfortunately a common occurrence for many, the health and wellbeing of our seniors is a public health
particularly senior Australians. So how can we ensure our
imperative that will become of increasing important over
ageing population feels included and cared for?
time, requiring real solutions that go well beyond home‐
delivery meals and adding hospital beds. With loneliness
Unfortunately, loneliness affects a disproportionate
number of senior Australians and the issue has become having far‐reaching consequences in terms of depression,
much more than an unfortunate situation – it is a serious mobility and the successful treatment of chronic disease,
health concern, and one which should be a public health the situation is already putting pressure on health and
priority. While social isolation refers to having minimal social services in this country and others.
contact with others, whether through limited Obviously not all lonely seniors are looking to move into
opportunity, lack of existing networks, reduced ability to retirement residences or aged care accommodation just
communicate or a lack of awareness of relevant yet, but that doesn’t mean we can’t help them feel
resources; loneliness is the negative feeling often connected and cared for. With many Australians keen to
associated with social isolation ‐ with actual and continue living independently at home, our industry must
perceived social isolation both associated with an continue to be innovative, and provide personalised in‐
increased risk for early mortality.
home services which extend beyond the traditional
services to encompass companionship ‐ all intended to
While loneliness is not exclusively a problem for our
ageing population, it is certainly acutely felt by the make staying at home simpler, safer, more sustainable –
elderly, many of whom feel a genuine sense of loss at the and less isolating. Addressing their social health and
disintegration of their social lives and decreasing minimising loneliness throughout the continuum of care
interaction with busy family and remaining friends – should be a primary public health priority – not just for
whether caused by being widowed, dealing with policymakers and those in the industry, but for all of us.
dementia or an ill partner, personal poor health, Let Cheer up the Lonely Day serve as a reminder that
immobility, having to relocate from their family home nobody wants to grow old alone, or be alone, nor should
and community or poor technological skills which make it they have to.
harder to establish new friendships and maintain contact
with younger generations.