Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
Or call 0345 90 80 161
23 December 2015 16:37
A senior woman is helped to use the internet
Councils should offer more activities for older people to stave off loneliness, such as singing and internet training, a health watchdog says.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) has published new guidance aimed at increasing independence and mental wellbeing.
It says older people should be encouraged to join community choirs, read to young children in schools and take part in group walks. Local authorities should also promote arts and crafts and other creative activities, Nice believes.
Another way to boost well-being is by taking a holiday. Pensioners up to the age of 100 can travel abroad with seniors travel insurance.
Technical support
There is a need to offer "intergenerational activities", according to Nice, which uses the examples of older people helping with reading in schools or young people providing older people with support to use new technologies.
The watchdog wants pensioners to be given technical support so they can get to grips with mobile phones and internet-enabled TVs and computers.
The importance of maintaining friendships to prevent loneliness is also highlighted, with calls for schemes such as befriending programmes in places of worship or home visits between people of similar ages.
The mental health benefits of volunteering should also be made much clearer to older people, Nice says.
Life events
The watchdog also says that health workers in contact with older people should be made aware that certain life events or circumstances are more likely to increase the risk of physical and mental decline.
Older people whose partners have died in the past two years are particularly at risk, it explains.
Professor Gillian Leng, director of health and social care at Nice, says ageing affects everyone differently and there are many factors that contribute to a person's ability to remain independent, avoid loneliness and maintain their mental wellbeing.
The new guidelines offer advice on putting this into practice. Professor Leng adds that this includes looking at what is already in local areas and how it can be improved. Are there any transport difficulties, for example, and do older people know there are activities and services available?
16 April 2019
Keen to see first-hand who gets crowned champions of Europe? Europe's biggest football match takes place in Madrid: here's your guide to everything you need to know.
[more...]
18 April 2019
Going away with your children? Beat the stress of travelling with your family with these great travel tips. Here's what you need to know if you're travelling with kids this Easter.
Heading to Madrid? Here's our guide to six must-see places you should visit in the Spanish capital, from food markets to fine art and plenty in between.
10 April 2019
Experience the magic of Madrid's Fiesta de San Isidro 2019! Discover where to stay, what to eat and what to see as you explore one of Spain's greatest festivals.
Experience Seville's intoxicating Feria de Abril and discover Andalucía's most famous festival! Here's your ultimate guide to La Feria.
01 April 2019
Songkran is Thailand's famous New Year's festival - and the world's biggest water fight. Here's everything you need to know before you plan your trip.
Travelling to Thailand? Learn the important local traditions and cultures to ensure you act respectfully in 'The land of a thousand smiles.'
Travelling overseas with young children? Make going through the airport easy and stress-free by following these top tips for surviving the airport with kids when flying.
25 March 2019
Discover the best places to learn to scuba dive! Check out our list of top dive locations around the world that are perfect for scuba diving beginners.
Looking for some late-season skiing? Here are some of the best places for spring skiing in Europe where you can enjoy reliable snow cover.
19 March 2019
Looking for adventure? Create your perfect Scandinavian weekend with these alternative city break ideas.
Lower your blood pressure with these fresh, healthy foods you can add to your diet.