Age UK is thrilled to announce that reality TV star and paramedic, Paige Thorne, has come on board to support the Charity’s work to help older people. The Charity, which recently launched its annual Christmas campaign, aims to tackle loneliness amongst older people and raise vital funds for its national services, including its Telephone Friendship Service and its Advice Line.
Best known for taking part in Love Island’s latest series, Paige visited Age UK Hammersmith & Fulham recently to join in their weekly yoga group. During her visit Paige met with local staff and volunteers whilst chatting to the yogis, all aged 60+, to find out more about how local activity groups like this one can help to bring older people from local communities together to make new friends, reduce isolation and learn new skills.
Not only do local activity sessions help to tackle loneliness but physical activity classes like Age UK Hammersmith & Fulham’s yoga group are so important when it comes to healthy ageing. Physical activity has been identified as one of the key factors in promoting and enhancing overall and health-related quality of life for older people[i]. The risk of falling in later life can increase, often due to reduced muscle strength and exercises like yoga, can improve muscle strength, posture, coordination and balance, which can reduce the risk of a fall.
Speaking about her decision to become an Age UK ambassador, Paige said: “I am so pleased to be working with Age UK. I have always been close to my grandparents, so absolutely loved chatting to everyone at the yoga class and seeing first-hand what a difference these types of services make to older people.
“Being a paramedic, I have unfortunately seen how damaging falls can be for older people, so the fact that groups like this are happening across the country to help people improve their physical activity and gain strength as they get older is amazing. Not only that, but they bring people together to make friends and have a laugh, which is so important.
“Loneliness in later life is heart-breaking, so I’m supporting Age UK’s Christmas campaign, which raises money so that its national services, including its Telephone Friendship Service and Advice Line, can keep on going and I’m urging everyone that can to donate to the Charity today – go to www.ageuk.org.uk/christmasappeal.”
Susan, who is in her 70s and attends the yoga class at Age UK Hammersmith and Fulham, said: “Since joining the activity centre a little under two years ago, life has been much brighter. I had done less and less exercise as time went on, and being 72, I was unsure how to start again.
After bumping into a neighbour, I learned about the exercise classes at Age UK Hammersmith and Fulham. The instructors at the Gentle Yoga class are fantastic and incredibly good at making sure we are all comfortable. They also push us to be better than the last time—and that is what I needed.
Now, I would never miss the chance to meet up with my yogi girls; it gives me something to look forward to every week and a fun challenge. Having the opportunity to be around people like myself has added colour back into my life. Thank you.”
Around 1.2 million older people across the UK often feel lonely[ii] and group activities, such as those run by Age UK Hammersmith & Fulham are a vital way of reducing social isolation for those who might live alone, have lost a partner, or whose family don’t live nearby. However, this year is yet another challenging time for millions of older people who want to get out and about – the cost of living crisis is taking its toll on everyone, but research shows that 6.9 million older people (42%) people have had to cut back on social and leisure activities[iii].
Age UK’s services are vital lifelines for older people who experience loneliness and have no one else to turn to when times get tough. These include Age UK’s national free and confidential Advice Line, which is open every day of the year to give expert advice on a range of issues to do with getting older, and the Charity’s national Telephone Friendship Service, which offers those who are feeling lonely regular friendly chats by matching them with a befriender they can count on.
However, Age UK can’t be there for older people without everyone’s help. As winter approaches Age UK’s services, especially its Advice Line, will see a sharp increase in calls from older people who are distressed and in need. That’s why the Charity is calling on the public to donate whatever they can to help make a difference to isolated older people with no one else to turn to. To donate visit: www.ageuk.org.uk/christmasappeal
Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK, said: “We are delighted to have Paige on board to support Age UK and know that her support will be invaluable.
“We truly appreciate her time spent getting to know some of the older people the Age UK network supports, and also getting to know Age UK at the same time.
“We look forward to continuing to work with her to raise awareness of loneliness and are excited for her to champion our cause and encourage people to not only support Age UK, but to perhaps see older people differently.”
As well as asking people to donate, Age UK is also calling on everyone to come together this Christmas season and reach out to older relatives and friends, and other older people who live nearby. There are plenty of simple and very practical things we can all to do to help older people feel included and supported over the winter festive season, such as:
1. Check in: Check in regularly with your older relatives, friends and neighbours to see how they’re coping and find out if there’s anything they need. Invite them round for a cup of tea and a chat. Or if you’re unable to visit in person there’s still plenty you can do to show you care – a phone or video call, or sending a card or letter.
2. Lending a hand: if you’re able to, offering simple, immediate assistance to older people nearby, such as offering to pick up shopping or run errands, can make a huge difference to those that are struggling or unable to go out.
3. Giving out these useful numbers:
If someone you know is worried about their bills or energy costs, let them know that the Age UK Advice Line can help by offering practical information and advice. Lines are open 7am-8pm, 365 days a year – 0800 169 65 65.
