Swinging 60s
Tackling the two-way link between loneliness and poor health in older age
The need
Globally, the ageing population is increasing at an unprecedented rate. By 2060, one in three Europeans will be over 65. In 2020, the Queen will be sending out almost double the number of letters to centenarians, compared to 2010.
Increased longevity is leading to more people living alone for longer. Families are increasingly dispersed as children move further away from their parents and mobility within and between countries is changing the nature of, and leading to less cohesive communities.
1.2 million 50+ year olds in the UK suffer from social exclusion. Feelings of loneliness are more common in older age as life events such as bereavement and retirement, tend to occur after the age of 50.
Over 50% of people aged 52 or over who have been widowed, separated or divorced report feeling lonely some of the time or often. It is estimated that 10% of the population aged over 65 in the UK is lonely all or most of the time.
17% of older people report to be in contact with family, friends and neighbours less than once a week and 11% are in contact less than once a month. Over half of all people aged over 75 live alone and it’s predicted that by 2033 there will be a 44 per cent increase in the number of 65–74-year-olds living alone.
Lonely individuals are more prone to depression, which affects 22% of men and 28% of women aged 65 or over.
There is a two way link between loneliness and poor health: poor physical health leads to isolation, and loneliness has a negative impact on our health.
If you are in poor health and have reduced mobility you are less likely to be able to go out, take part in group activities and visit friends and family.
59% of adults aged over 52 who report poor health say they feel lonely some of the time or often, compared to 21% who say they are in excellent health.
In addition, researchers link lack of social interaction with the onset of diseases such as Alzheimer’s: an illness which costs the UK an estimated £20 billion a year.
It has also been shown that loneliness makes it harder to regulate behaviour, rendering people more likely to drink excessively, have unhealthier diets or take less exercise.
The solution
Swinging 60s is a dance events company for a growing, older generation, established to benefit the physical health and wellbeing of a still vibrant community as well as to help overcome feelings of loneliness and associated mental wellbeing issues amongst isolated individuals.
“Most clubs are geared towards 18-30s but that shouldn’t mean that the rest of us have to sit on the sofa in our slippers on a Saturday night”
Nikki Spencer, Founder, Haven’t Stopped Dancing Yet
Studies have found that social networks are as important to your health as exercise and diet. Low social interaction has the equivalent effect on lifespan as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Cutting yourself off from others is worse than inactivity and twice as bad as obesity.
Research suggests that relatively low-cost approaches to addressing loneliness and isolation among older people can result in fewer visits to the doctor and lower use of medication.
In tackling loneliness, research says that it’s important to address the interests of individuals, involve individuals in the shaping of the activity and both group and individual activities should be tested.
Get involved
We’re looking to speak to different potential partners to help us on the next stage of our journey. If you have feedback, questions or want to get involved, please get in touch.
Email belinda@mooreandmoorecreative.com
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