In August, Esther Rantzen wrote for the Daily Mail, describing her personal experience of persistent loneliness after being widowed. After a “huge and heartfelt” response from members of the public (and a letter from us at the Campaign to End Loneliness) she has written a second article.
You can read the full piece online here:
This article has had 3 comments
Esther’s article was a echo of my own life, and although my daughter is great and spends time with me it is still not the same, when you have that void you have when you have lost your soul mate, nobody will ever replace that person you had in your life for all those years, and it is no fun going out on your own or going on holiday…I thought it was just me now I know I am not going crazy Esther said it just how it is.
It wonderful to know that loneliness and older age are being highlighted. As a member of the Beth Johnson Foundation, and hold a Certificate in Intergenerational Practice, I have been trying very hard to highlight the benefits of bringing the generations together to support each other.
I am now a full time carer in my early 60’s and would love some company. Having a phone line is not good enough though I am afraid, its the real social contact, seeing someone regularly “face to face”, enhances self esteem.
I hope there will be more publicity about this. Thank you
3rd Age Hostelling and Housing is setting-up a charity/workers co-operative which will provide short-break hostel accommodation and subsidised therapies to older people.
We will also help older owner-occupiers to remain in their own homes, to release their cash and relieve their loneliness, by selling their property to a housing co-operative. The property can then be converted into a ground floor flat, adapted as necessary for the former owner, and a first floor flat,suitable for younger people.
3rd Age Hostelling will not discriminate against the young but will be run for the benefit of older people, encouraging them to stay healthy by walking and socialising.
I ran a backpackers hostel for many years and I want more people of my generation to discover the joys of hostelling.
We have suitable property and planning permission but we need help in obtaining funding and with legalities. Whatever your age please share your knowledge and enthusiasm and help to ensure that we ‘golden-oldies’ stay fit and healthy. Help us to save money for the National Health Service and to free-up accommodation for the younger generation.
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