Am I going to die alone?

Am I going to die alone?

Will loved ones surround me?

Will people turn up to my funeral?

Will people even notice?

It’s one of my worst fears – growing old and loosing contact with everyone, loose touch with the community, loosing the people that I love.

I share this fear with 75,000 elderly people in London.

1 in 10 elderly people suffer intense loneliness and isolation from society. That’s over one million people. Loneliness and isolation is often overlooked in our elders, it’s something we just assume is a part of growing old. It’s not. No one should feel like they are alone.

Elderly Londoners are at a greater risk of social isolation due to the high population levels, localised crime and anti social behaviour that goes on in urban communities. There are key factors and triggers that contribute  - it could be down to poor health, living alone, not having children, being on a low income and living in rented accommodation. Retirement, illness or a spouse dying can trigger it. Loneliness and isolation can lead to depression and have detrimental results on one’s mental health.

Team v think it’s time to do something for the people that gave us so much – knowledge, wisdom, life, love. Our vision is to talk, socialise and connect.

Talk

Engage elderly people and learn about their experiences of loneliness and isolation

Socialise

Organise events in collaboration with older people, which responds to their needs and interests

Connect

Raise awareness of loneliness and isolation among people in the community

We're looking for film makes, photographers, outreach teams, event organisers, PR execs and spokesperson

Please take a minute to watch this video, and if you’re interested in helping build relationships among older people, please get in touch crystal.nunn@vinspired.com

http://youtu.be/z64Q2F2oKe4

P.S also follow Ethel, she’s new to twitter https://twitter.com/EthelTeamv