Age Scotland works tirelessly to make older people feel less alone.
Across Scotland, there is a chronically lonely person on every street. That means over 100,000 people over 65 who feel lonely most or all of the time.
One of those people is Alex, who first got in touch with our Friendship services two years ago.
A retired engineer with an international career, when Alex returned to his home in Motherwell in 2007, he started to feel increasingly isolated with no local connections.
I’ve lived on my own since I came back to Scotland. I don’t have any family or friends around now. The reality is that so many people fall away from your life as you get older. And before you know it, you’re on your own.
Alex’s is suffering ill-health now. After several heart attacks and being diagnosed with COPD he doesn’t get out and about as much as he used to. Other than his friendship calls from Age Scotland, Alex says the only people he speaks to on the phone are doctors, the dentist or the council.
Two years ago Alex was at the doctor’s surgery where someone recommended he give Age Scotland’s friendship line a call. He now receives a weekly friendship call from the Scottish charity for older people.
“The weekly friendship call I get on a Friday sets me up for the whole weekend and leaves me feeling on top of the world. Getting these calls from Age Scotland has meant the world to me.”
Alex, 72
▶️ Hear Alex's Story In Full
Unfortunately, Alex's story is far too common. Age Scotland receives hundreds of calls every week from older people just like him in need of our help, and with Scotland's population ageing, demand is set to increase.
If you are able, please consider making a donation* so Age Scotland can continue to provide friendship and advice for years to come. Thank you.
*A small fee applies to online transactions. Age Scotland provides a range of services, and your gift will go where the need is greatest.