Analysis by Brian Sloan
It’s often the little things that count. A friendly smile from a warden, a cup of tea and a chat, or a phone call to check you’re OK.
A trip to a community centre or lunch club can be the highlight of the week for many older Scots who are living alone.
We often take social interactions for granted, especially when we talk to dozens of people daily during our working lives.
But retirement, bereavement, illness or loss of mobility can erode those social connections.
Read more: Cuts creating generation of lonely old people
It’s heart-breaking to think that 100,000 older Scots feel lonely most or all of the time, while one in four rely on their TV or a pet for company. But sadly, they are among those likely to be hardest hit by funding cuts by cash-strapped councils and public bodies.
UNISON’s report of cuts to sheltered housing budgets is worrying, but confirms what we have heard around the country.
It might make financial sense on paper to replace paid wardens with buzzer systems in case of emergency.
But this undervalues the importance of real people who get to know residents, spotting any changes in behaviour at an early stage.
As well as the loss of social interaction, these short-sighted funding decisions can lead to more hospital admissions and force residents into expensive care homes before otherwise necessary.
These are far from the only cuts affecting older people. We heard this week that Royal Voluntary Service will stop providing Meals on Wheels in Scotland at the end of the year, citing budget constraints.
This service provided much more than a hot meal: it could be the only social contact a person had all day.
Around Scotland, we’ve heard about cuts to befriending services, community centres and leisure facilities, which all bring people together and encourage them to stay active and socially connected.
These may save small pockets of funding, but have a high price when it comes to mental and physical health.
Read more: Cuts creating generation of lonely old people
We know that loneliness has a devastating impact, with research showing it is as bad as a 15-a-day smoking habit, and exacerbates heart disease, blood clots and cancer.
One in four older Scots has experienced depression as a result of loneliness.
We’ve welcomed the Scottish Government’s commitment to tackling loneliness and isolation. Its strategy, the first of its kind in the world, is currently under consultation.
But there clearly needs to be more support on the ground for councils, community groups and voluntary organisations if we are to reach those most in need.
Brian Sloan is chief executive of Age Scotland
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