Specialist housing key to preventing loneliness in older people

Investing in specialist housing for older people is key to preventing them from feeling isolated, according to the chief executive of Audley Retirement Villages.

Nick Sanderson made the comment in response to statistics published today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) which revealed elderly people with poor health are more likely to feel lonely than others.

‘Measuring National Wellbeing – Older people and loneliness 2013’, which analyses feelings of loneliness as reported by people over the age of 52 using 2009-10 data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, also shows that a higher percentage of people aged 80 and over reported feeling lonely ‘some of the time’ and ‘often’ compared to other age groups.

Speaking about the statistics, Mr Sanderson said: “The latest round of ONS statistics measuring national wellbeing looks at older people and issues of loneliness as well as how they manage their leisure time. What this insight confirms is how crucial it is for those in later life to be given the right support as they age.

“A survey recently published by the Association of Retirement Community Operators revealed that older people spend over a third of the year on their own, with loneliness all too often being endemic amongst those of retirement age. This is one of the reasons why it is so important that we invest in specialist housing for older people.

“Extra care housing enables older people to remain independent, living in their own home and on their own terms, within a vibrant community. Central facilities including restaurants, swimming pools and exercise facilities, as well as a range of activities and classes give older people mental and physical stimulation, as well as vital companionship which improves their quality of life.

“The extra care model allows older people to remain both active and in control with support available as and when they need it.”