New research from leading residential park bungalow provider, Regency Living, reveals that over half of over-60s feel excluded from their local communities, whilst 70% struggle with loneliness at some point or another.
Regency Living has surveyed 1,028 UK over-60s to ask questions around loneliness, isolation, and community to understand what role these things play in our lives as we get older.
The survey reveals that whilst 30% of over-60s live alone, as many as 70% of those surveyed struggle with loneliness at times.
Whilst 52% are in daily contact with loved ones, 48% stated that they only have contact with friends and family on a weekly basis or longer.
37% of those surveyed also stated that they have no contact with their neighbours beyond greeting them in passing.
As many as 51% went on to say that they don’t feel included within their wider community.
One of the key reasons for this lack of community amongst the over-60s is seemingly the lack of opportunities available to them, with 37% stating that there were no chances to get involved in the community - whether it be community groups, days out or clubs to attend.
All in all, the survey reveals that loneliness plays a significant part in the lives of many over-60s, and 21% even go so far as to say that loneliness is negatively impacting their quality of life.
A Regency Living spokesperson commented:
“Loneliness can have a negative impact on both mental and physical health and it’s not just those living alone who can struggle, as often age or the declining health of a partner can result in a restricted ability to get out and about, meet with friends or family and get involved in the community.
Whilst many downsizers are initially drawn to the park home lifestyle due to the more affordable price and the opportunity to release equity in the existing home, it’s the ready made community aspect and its accessibility that soon becomes the best thing about park home living.
Park home sites have an incredibly strong sense of community and togetherness, bringing support, companionship and security, all of which are extremely important aspects for those in later life. As a result, park home owners are able to enjoy a wonderful quality of life whether it be alone or with their partner and are never short of things to do, or people to do them with.”
Survey results
