15.11.13
Loneliness epidemic prompts extra GP visits
Between one and five patients a day attend GP surgeries simply because they are lonely, new research suggests.
A poll of GPs, carried out by the Campaign to End Loneliness, found 49% said they were not confident they could help these patients. Almost three million people over the age of 65 say they are lonely, and between 6% and 13% say they are always lonely.
Loneliness has been associated with poor mental, physical and emotional health, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and dementia. But only half of Health and Wellbeing Boards have acknowledged loneliness in their strategies.
Kate Jopling, director for the Campaign to End Loneliness, said: “Far too many people are feeling so lonely, and so at a loss about what to do about it, that they end up going to see their doctor. It’s time we committed to a more coordinated public health response that targets resources towards better support for lonely people, and prevention of loneliness for those at risk.
“I know that many doctors will feel frustrated at not being able to help their patients but there are things they can do. There are many schemes, both public and voluntary, that can help lonely older people and the first step for doctors should be to signpost these to patients.
“Loneliness is putting an unnecessary strain on local GP surgeries and social care services. Only half of the newly empowered local health and wellbeing boards have acknowledged loneliness in their strategies. This needs to increase if we are to help lonely older people and ultimately improve health outcomes in later life.”
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