David pledges to tackle loneliness amongst older people

David Mackintosh MP has attended the Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness Older People Spotlight launch in the House of Commons and pledged his support for the commission and agreed to look at practical steps to tackle loneliness amongst older people in Northampton.

As part of the Commission’s spotlight on older people, nine organisations – Age UK, Alzheimer’s Society, British Red Cross, Campaign to End Loneliness, Eden Project Communities, Gransnet, Independent Age, Royal Voluntary Service and The Silver Line – are working collaboratively to raise public awareness of loneliness and encourage everyone to act to tackle it.  With Age UK research showing that 1.2 million older people are chronically lonely, and half a million people over 60 usually spend every day alone, there is clearly an urgent need for action.

While loneliness can strike at any age, older people are at higher risk of being lonely as they are more likely to experience deteriorating health and the death of a loved one. Disability, poor health, poverty and limited access to transport all contribute to older people feeling cut off from their family, friends and local communities, meaning many older people have little or no social interaction.

David said: “It is tragic that 1.2 million older people in the UK are chronically lonely and really worrying that 45% of people aged 65 and over wouldn’t know where to turn if they’re experiencing loneliness.  Age UK estimates 1,093 older people are lonely in Northampton South and although there is no quick fix or single policy solution to eradicate loneliness, there are reasons to hope that we can change things for the better. I was friends with the late Jo Cox MP and pledge to support this work in her memory.”

The Commission aims not to simply highlight the issue of loneliness, but more importantly act as a call to action. Under the slogan ‘start a conversation’, its goal is to mobilise us all to help our neighbours, family and friends – whether it be talking to a neighbour, visiting an old friend, or just making time for the people you meet.

The cross-party Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness, launched earlier this year in Parliament, is supported by thirteen organisations and aims to not just raise awareness of the problem but to act as a ‘call to action’. 

Anyone who wants to find out more about the Commission or how they can get involved in tackling loneliness in their community can visit www.jocoxloneliness.org for further information.