Research into the cause and effect of loneliness
The majority of older people are not severely lonely, but findings from The Social Report 2016 show that 10% of New Zealanders aged 65-74, and 13% of those aged over 75 feel lonely all, most, or some of the time. This is important, not just because loneliness is painful, but because having inadequate social relationships has been shown to be as bad for health as smoking. Loneliness has also been linked to increased likelihood of entering rest home care.
The good news is that there is growing information on effective interventions to reduce loneliness and social isolation, and greater understanding of how people can build resilience to prevent loneliness, or help themselves if they find that their social networks are not meeting their needs.Click here to find the full research library on loneliness
Age Concern New Zealand staff on Radio New Zealand
Age Concern NZ staff discuss the importance of looking after our parents on Radio New Zealand.
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