One in five older Australians say they experience loneliness

When a serious personal crisis hits, three in 10 older Australians say they don’t have anyone to call.

For those aged over 65, one in five say they experience loneliness often, or all the time.

And according to founder and chief executive of Ageing With Grace Esis Tawfik that number is even higher in the Northern Territory.

“[Loneliness] is associated with increased issues for well being, and that includes things like mental health,” she said.

“People don’t assume it will impact on physical health but it does.”

Loneliness in older adults is associated with increasing risk of a number of issues including 50 per cent increased risk of dementia and 32 per cent increased risk of stroke.

Since July 2023, Ageing With Grace has been providing a government-funded service called the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme in Darwin.

The national program connects volunteers with older people experiencing loneliness and has just been rolled out in Katherine as well.

Aimed at bringing a bit of joy into people’s lives who may not have family or people to visit them, Ms Tawfik said it can make a real difference.

“It’s literally matching an older person to a friend who visits them on a weekly or fortnightly basis,” she said.

“It can be just having a cup of tea, walking around the garden or going out for a coffee.

“It’s reminding people of the joy, benefit and value of our older people, and to show them how valued they are.”

A Darwin story: How a tentative meet-up turned into a daily friendship

Stephany Tehja decided to get involved with Ageing With Grace as a volunteer a year and a half ago.

Now supporting her third person since signing up, Ms Tehja said that what started as a tentative meet-up has become a deep friendship.

“She’s a very talkative lady so it’s really fun to have a chat with her, because she had so many experiences,” she said.

“We actually have a chat every day through text message.

“To see how they’re very excited to see me, it makes me feel really good that someone is happy to see me.”

With a lot of people not having family nearby, Ms Tehja said that regular connection was important emotionally and physically.

Before Ms Tehja’s older friend was referred to the service, there was one moment when the women, who is in her 70s, was home alone in a delirium state, lying on her bed for four days before a neighbour found her.

“This service is important because it’s a wellbeing check up as well,” Ms Tehja said.

Speaking to anyone interested in volunteering, Ms Tehja, aged 34, urged them to give it a try.

“A lot of people maybe want to volunteer but they’re a bit hesitant,” she added.

“Ageing With Grace comes from a referral so there’s someone who knows the person already so you’re not going in blind.

“It’s really great and very rewarding.”

Ms Tawfik said they have over 40 referrals for older people in urgent need of a friend in Darwin.

“We’ve got a number of older people waiting to be matched to a volunteer who are also from a culturally and linguistically diverse community,” she said.

“We get so many [people] of different cultures that would like someone from their own culture … because unfortunately as people get older, they [can] lose their ability to communicate in English in many ways.”

Ms Tawfik said they are looking for people who are kind, good listeners, willing to be patient and able to commit to weekly or fortnightly visits.

She added they are also seeking referrals to their service.

Those who would be considered eligible but would anyone who is living in an aged care home (regardless of age), is receiving a home care package or is approved and on a waitlist for either of these services.

To find out more information about volunteering or referral, please send any inquiries to info@ageingwithgrace.org.au or call 0491 272 417.

Or go to ageingwithgrace.org.au.

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Originally published as Do you have someone to call during a personal crisis? Many in Darwin and Katherine don’t