Report on Last Forum
TELFORD & WREKIN SENIOR CITIZENS FORUM
October 17th 2011, The Place, Oakengates'Feeling Lonely?
Martin Brookes, chairman, welcomed everybody to the event.
The Annual General Meeting was held.
Martin welcomed David Wright MP who assured the members of his continued support for local services. (Mark Pritchard MP had been invited to the meeting but was unable to attend). Martin also welcomed Councillor Kuldip Sahota, Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council our speakers, stall holders and members.
Mima Cattan, Professor in Public Health at Northumbria University
Martin then introduced Professor Cattan, who explained the massive demographic change across the world. People are living
longer, but with fewer young people. For instance in Northumbria, by 2030 over a third of the population will be over 65,
with major implications for local services.
There is a distinction between loneliness and social isolation. Loneliness involves feeling very unhappy due to a lack of contact with others. Over the last 40 years the proportion of people who feel lonely has stayed the same, about 30%, but the numbers have risen. 92% of social isolation is due to living alone, although some are happy to do so, and much research has gone into isolation among ethnic minorities.
Risk factors for loneliness are widowhood, divorce, poor mental or physical health, disabilities such as visual impairment, lack of personal and material resources, lack of transport, loss of confidence and an increased perception of loneliness.
Mima talked about possible solutions needed to prevent loneliness from evolving into serious health problems. Research has shown that people do not want to be patronised, they want to be seen as a resource, and able to take some responsibility for meaningful shared actives. They don't always want a visit to the community centre, sometimes just companionship and conversation.
Technology can play a major part, telephone befriending, social network sites, Skype and the Nintendo Wii. There is also Paro the robotic seal, invented in Japan, which reacts to voices and stroking. It is being used in care homes, and is especially effective with dementia sufferers.
This winter we must remember that maybe someone needs a phone call or a visit. Everybody has different needs and expectations. There is not just one solution.
One member of the audience spoke about a scheme in Staffordshire with community buses for the elderly & infirm. Mima commented how, with imagination and working together, effective solutions can be achieved.
Another question was raised about how Mima viewed retirement villages. She believes that some research has been done, but personally believes in a more integrated approach.
Bob Jago, Webmaster Telford & Wrekin Senior Citizens Forum
Martin thanked Mima and welcomed Forum Webmaster Bob Jago, who began by talking about the Forum's computer project aimed at housebound older people. It was set up 18 months ago with help from the Council and Cap Gemini. Using the internet can enhance your life enabling you to keep in contact with family across the world, send photos and documents, have shopping delivered, look at Google maps to see anywhere in the world, re-connect with old school friends and carry out family research. Bob went on to explain how to download Skype, a free internet telephone system, by going to www.skype.com
Pamela Walker, Contact the Elderly
Martin introduced Pamela Walker, the Midland Coordinator for Contact the Elderly. Following a short film Pamela talked about the charity, set up in 1965 and now having 400 groups nationally including one in Telford, which needs more volunteers.
Once a month on a Sunday afternoon, volunteer drivers each collect two or three local isolated older people and take them to a host house for a simple afternoon tea with others. Members are 75+, living alone, maybe are carers for partners, or live in sheltered accommodation, many having physical disabilities.
Volunteer drivers are needed and get lots of support from the charity including insurance. Hosts are required 1 or 2 times a year, to make a simple tea for about 10. Whatever you do will help most vulnerable and isolated and will be very much appreciated. A recent survey showed that 75% members said the scheme has helped them become more cheerful and optimistic, some said health had improve, and some felt part of the community again.
Laughter Workshop
Martin introduced John Hipkiss, 'Laughing John' who engaged the audience in seeing how laughing with a group can be powerful and help you feel connected.
Martin thanked the audience, presenters and stallholders for attending and closed the meeting.