LONELINESS: Retailers can play a part
According to the Campaign To End Loneliness, more than half the country’s 75-year-olds live alone, which increases the likelihood of mortality by 26 per cent.
As we deliver housing, care and support to 40,000 older people across England, Anchor does its utmost to prevent this. People living in retirement housing properties like mine benefit from living in a thriving community. I’m also around if they need any support.
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Hide AdThat is why I welcome the Government’s decision to appoint Tracey Crouch as Minister for Loneliness. We wish her every success.
Local retailers can also help older people, particularly those living alone, to reduce their sense of loneliness.
Anchor’s Standing Up 4 Sitting Down campaign is asking retailers to provide seating so that older shoppers, as well as disabled people and pregnant women, can rest mid-shop.
A shopping trip may be a weekly chore for many, but for some older people living alone it’s a chance for social interaction and could be a life-saver.
Joan Brown,
Manager, St Pauls Court,
Alnwick