Last Wednesday, we enjoyed meeting our Past President Jo Winwood again (she and Tony now live in Byron Bay). Jo, now a member of the Rotary Club of Byron Bay, is heavily involved with her project ‘Be Someone for Someone’. “In the last 5 months, there has been an immense increase in loneliness” Jo declared. Her company Feros Care is a leading Aged Care provider, supporting over 60,000 each year in 5 states and territories. “According the carers, this is now the biggest problem they face”, she said. Jo cited the example of a man suffering the loss of his wife: “In many relationships, it is the woman who makes the social arrangements. So suddenly, after she has passed away, he finds himself without much of a social life. Not everyone has social skills which enable them to find new friends”.Download the PDF in the Download section on the right and see the slide “The Shocking Truth”. Let me pick just one of the facts: according to a scientific report, published by the US National Library of Medicine (J Holt-Lundstad, Brigham Young University), Loneliness increases the risk of premature death by 26%. Or the equivalent of smoking 26 cigarettes a day. The problem is acute world wide; in the UK, they have appointed a Minister for Loneliness.
So how can we help? Well, engage with people whom you suspect of being lonely. Your neighbour might be in that category. An invitation to join you for a cuppa is a good start! Would you like to support financially? Feros Care will again run a Christmas Brunch for lonely people - see Download section - 'Be Someone for Someone - Corporate Support'.
Jo’s presentation can be downloaded from the Download section – see right side. TPhoto: Jo with Chairman of the meeting, Mark Twyford