Isolation and Loneliness can be experienced by anyone, anywhere; from remote communities to the centre of metropolises. The impacts are only now becoming known (JRF, 2013).
For example:
- Increased risk of depression
- 64% increased risk of developing clinical dementia
- Increased risk of high blood pressure
- An equivalent risk factor for early mortality to smoking 15 cigarettes a day
- A greater impact than other risk factors such as physical inactivity and obesity
And lonely people:
- Are vulnerable to alcohol problems
- Eat less well – they are less likely to eat fruit and vegetables
- Are more likely to be smokers and more likely to be overweight
- Are less likely to engage in physical activity and exercise
So what can we all do?
- Think about people in our local community who may be lonely, for any reason, and think what and how we can make a difference to their lives
- Lead by example and encourage others to do so too
- Email communityplanning&dev@shetland.gov.uk to let us know if you’re interested in attending a training session, designed to explore the role we can each play within our communities to reduce loneliness, isolation and stigma
Further information and research: