Poll that highlights loneliness in OAPs found a fifth had lost touch with relatives
UNDER five per cent of pensioners expect to live with their families when they need full-time care, according to a survey.
A poll found that a fifth had lost touch with their relatives
The poll, that highlights loneliness among older people, found a fifth had lost touch with their relatives, while a tenth heard from their friends or family less than once a month.
Many of the 1,000 over 65s in the YouGov poll for Stannah Stairlifts said they rely on mobile phones and the internet to keep in touch.
I suddenly found myself isolated
Nearly two in three said instant-messaging services, including text, WhatsApp and social media platforms were among their preferred ways of communicating.
Leslie Rocker, 90, from Wiltshire, has moved into sheltered accommodation.
The world's oldest dad opens up about his loneliness
Many of the people polls said they rely on mobile phones or the internet to keep in touch
He said: “I suddenly found myself isolated.
“My son, who lives in Shrewsbury, calls every week. He is a very dutiful son, and I love him dearly. But there is no contact.
Nearly two in three said instant-messaging services were their preferred ways of communicating
“One doesn’t want to impose.”
Patrick Stannah, managing director at Stannah, said: “We should all make use of the opportunities technology brings as well as taking more time to make a call, invite someone over or just pop in”.