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Neighbors Vanish: UK Faces Loneliness Crisis
12 Dec
Summary
- One in three Britons don't know their neighbors.
- Social isolation increases dementia risk by 60%.
- 27% feel uncomfortable inviting lonely people to Christmas dinner.
Community ties are fraying in the UK, with a recent survey indicating that one in three people do not know their neighbors. This trend of increasing isolation poses significant risks, particularly for the elderly, as social isolation is linked to a 60% higher risk of dementia, according to the Alzheimer's Society.
The Alzheimer's Society, which commissioned the poll, is calling for greater community connection this Christmas, especially for those affected by dementia. Despite 83% of those surveyed believing that people with dementia and their carers need more support, a notable 27% admitted they would feel uncomfortable inviting a lonely acquaintance to Christmas dinner.
Dementia, the UK's leading cause of death, affects approximately one million people. The Alzheimer's Society emphasizes that a societal effort is needed to combat the disease. Their ongoing campaign aims to raise awareness, encourage early diagnosis, boost research, and improve care, supported by services like their Dementia Support Line, which received 23,000 calls last winter.
