3 replies to this topic

[greybeard]

BBC report on loneliness. This is probably relevant to some members.

We are such a cynical lot. When a Downing Street advisor points out that loneliness is probably more dangerous to our health in retirement than smoking, there are plenty who immediately assume that the advice is part of some dastardly statist plot to get pensioners out of their one-bed flats to sweat their final years away on a factory production line.
But might it be true? And if it is, should we take isolation as seriously as we do obesity or smoking in our health strategies?

Full BBC report -- http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-16989689

[Dutch30]

I'm still a young guy so can't talk about the days of pension But yeah I agree that friends are a matter of life and death in a certain way. I am a lucky guy with the sort of friends I have. I never realized this in the beginning, but over the years you will start to learn that friendship is not something that you should take for granted. I've met lots of people and had girlfriends who didn't have close friendships, just people surrounding them and at a certain point leaving again. I have noticed how lonely and confused some of these people were. I have a lot of people I know and hang out with, but only a few of them I consider real good friends. And these people are in my life for lots of years. It's these friends I can always count on whatever the situation may be. And they can always count on me. I wouldn't know how I would make it without these close friends. SCI or no SCI.

[dom]

very thought provoking post GB anyone with family/friends rarely thinks about loneliness as it doesn't affect them but epsecially in today's fast moving technological society which is fast fragmenting into single people and self sufficiency/independence being the king we forget that we all need our fellow companions in some way or another, 'no man is an island' or so the quote goes

Internet has brought a lot of enjoyment for people with regards to contact with the otside world, skype etc my Dad whose brother moved to USA 50 years ago was used to getting the odd letter once/twice a year whereas now my brother who moved there 20 yeras ago is in constant contact with the family and when he coes to visit it seems like he has never left!

But you can't beat physical proximity when it comes to being alone no pc/phone etc will replace that

Also in the west especially the family unit has broken down and our elders are not respected as in Thailand for example and bundled off quick to care homes [which are not in themselves bad things] but a lot of elderly enjoy their independence but also need family friends arond them

[isobar]

This is true a report was done on the news if sick , ailing or even in a coma have someone to visit helps people heal faster.