LONELINESS is among “the greatest public health challenges of our time”, charities say. New research by the Mental Health Foundation and Age Scotland warns that 120,000 older Scots have undiagnosed depression linked to isolation.
According to the study published today, one in four people aged over 65 experiences depression when they feel lonely, with 16 per cent reporting that this leads to anxiety.
However, almost one-third of those affected say they feel they should cope with the problem themselves rather than seek help.
Others say they do not want to bother family or friends and some would not feel comfortable talking to their GP about the issue.
As many as 80 per cent of respondents said the rise of social media had further cut them off, with face-to-face contact replaced by messages.
Although the Scottish Government has committed to a national strategy on social isolation, none of the 40 actions set out in the new mental health strategy is aimed at aiding older people.
The charities have put together a 12-point plan aimed at tackling this, including the provision of a “welcome home box” for every older person discharged from hospital, with a four-week befriending service, and pre-discharge depression screenings.
Other suggestions include encouraging all schools to partner with a care home, sheltered housing provider or group for older people to undertake inter-generational projects and more preventative services.
Lee Knifton, head of the Mental Health Foundation for Scotland, said: “Loneliness is one of the greatest public health challenges of our time.
“This research is clear that, if left unaddressed, it can lead to mental health problems such as depression or anxiety. Feeling lonely is nothing to be ashamed of, it’s a consequence of our fragmented society.
“Older people need to be supported to seek help and expect that there will be appropriate responses available.
“The mental health needs of older people must be taken seriously and not just bundled as ‘older people’s problems’, as they too often are.”
Brian Sloan, chief executive of Age Scotland, said: “Loneliness is a growing public health crisis and should not simply be considered an inevitable part of getting older.
“This new research shows the devastating toll that it is taking on the mental health and wellbeing of older Scots.
“It’s heartbreaking to think of so many older people suffering in silence, unwilling to reach out to family or friends for fear of being a burden.
“There’s a widespread belief that people should simply get on with it and cope by themselves, suggesting that serious mental health problems are going undiagnosed.
“We need to see action on a national scale to tackle the epidemic of loneliness and isolation. Our plan sets out steps that would make a real difference to older people, such as screening hospital patients for depression and social isolation and investing in community support, such as befriending services or men’s sheds.
“Of course there is a lot that we can all do to reach out to older relatives or neighbours, especially at this time of year. Simply taking time for a chat or encouraging them to speak to their GP if they have concerns could quite literally be a lifeline for them.”
The call follows research published by Age Scotland earlier this month which found that 0,000 people aged over 65 will spend Christmas Day alone. The figure marks a 50 per cent rise on that recorded two years ago.
Meanwhile, 80,000 older Scots say they feel especially alone during the festive period.
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