Read the text and mark the sentences T (true), F (false) or NS (not stated).
How To Fight Against Loneliness In The Elderly?
There are lots of ways you can do your bit to help lonely or socially isolated elderly people in your
community. The person you're helping will reap health benefits, and you'll find you will as well.
Volunteering for an organization that supports older people is a key way of helping a lonely or
socially isolated older person. Evidence suggests giving your time in this way could be as valuable
to you as the person you support. It's likely to boost your self-esteem and sense of purpose. And
helping others takes your mind off your own problems for a while.
Start a conversation
It's not always easy to know who or how to help. A good start is simply to stop and talk to an elderly
neighbour if you pass them on the street. If you think an older person may have trouble hearing or
has memory problems make sure to speak clearly (but don't shout!). Pause between sentences and
questions to give them chance to digest the information. And allow a little extra time for them to
respond — don't hurry them.
Offer practical help
Do you know an older person who lives alone, rarely leaves the house, is in poor health, disabled,
has sight or hearing loss, or doesn't seem to have close family living nearby? Ask them if they need
any help with tasks such as shopping, posting letters, picking up prescriptions and medicines or
dog-walking. Offer to accompany them or give them a lift to activities or doctors' and hospital
appointments, the library, hairdressers or faith services.
Share your time
Volunteer for organizations that support older people. These often offer "befriending" schemes for
isolated elderly people, and rely on volunteers for one-to-one contact as a telephone "buddy", visitor
or driver, or hosting social events for groups. Your contribution could be as simple as a weekly
telephone call to an isolated older person, or extend to regular home visits for a chat and to help
with shopping and so on, driving an elderly person to a social event, or even hosting coffee
mornings for groups of elderly people.
There are, of course, other ways to help the elderly, you may always find the one of your own!
1. There is only one effective way to help the elderly.
2. You will always feel the benefits from helping others.
3. The most common method to help the lonely and isolated is to volunteer.
4. Volunteering can develop your personal qualities for the better.
5. You may always find who to help.
6. A good conversation with an elderly person is a good beginning in volunteering.
7. The elderly never ask for help.
8. Practical is especially appreciated in shopping.
9. A “telephone buddy” service is well-paid.
10. "Befriending" schemes are usual programmes for volunteers.