As a provider of quality mobility equipment in London, the team at 1st Step Mobility have seen first hand just how our equipment helps change the lives of our customers. But is it possible that our mobility equipment can help not just with movement, but loneliness too?
Research has indicated that 50% of adults in Britain are lonely, and that two thirds of these people turn to the television or radio as a stand-in for company so that they feel less alone. A further 27% rely on their pets for company, 17% will go to the shops for a chance to speak with someone, 7% speak to digital assistants like Alexa or Siri, and 6% have even ordered packages as an excuse to speak to their postman.
On top of the emotional and mental toll loneliness can have, there seem to also be connections to poor physical health, thought to be as bad for you as smoking 15 cigarettes per day and can even increase your risk of death by 29%.
With 1.2 million chronically lonely people in Britain over the age of 50, this is certainly concerning to acknowledge! However, all is not lost – nationwide schemes like the campaign to end loneliness are in place, and there are many community-centric clubs and activities that can be found in your local area (try the library first!).
Proper accessibility and access to proper mobility equipment can also ensure that those with limited mobility can actually get out and about, rather than stay cooped up lonely and indoors. Having the freedom to choose to visit town, family, friends, or elsewhere really puts control back in the hands of people who need it, and allows them to choose when, where, and who they socialise with.
