Behind any door, on every street across Scotland, you can find a chronically lonely older person.
One of them is Alex, a 72-year-old gentleman from Motherwell.
In 2007, Alex returned to Scotland after years spent working abroad as an engineer. His marriage having ended and his daughter having passed away at 20, he soon began to feel isolated with no one to turn to.
Alex also suffers from ill-health. After several heart attacks and being diagnosed with COPD, he doesn’t get out and about as much as he used to. Two years ago, his GP recommended he give Age Scotland’s friendship line a call and has been receiving a weekly call every week since.
“I can’t tell you how much I look forward to Friday afternoons, when I have my weekly chat. Having someone to talk to reduces my anxiety about being lonely. It has been absolutely wonderful and made a big, big difference to my life.
Alex
▶️ Hear Alex's Story In Full
Unfortunately, Alex's story is far too common. Over 100,000 people over 65 are chronically lonely, and Age Scotland receives hundreds of calls every week from older people in need of our help.
Please consider making a donation* so we can continue to offer support and friendship to Alex and everyone else like him.
*A small fee applies to online transactions. Age Scotland provides a range of services, and your gift will go where the need is greatest.