Research done by the Campaign to End Loneliness found half a million older people already experience protracted periods of isolation (at least five or six days without seeing anyone) and say this will only compound the issue.
But are there steps that the general population can take to help the elderly and other vulnerable groups within their community?
1. Make sure your elderly and vulnerable neighbours have everything they need
Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, tells The Independent: "There are some simple steps we can all take that will make a huge difference in, what may prove to be, some difficult weeks and months ahead."
First and foremost, Abrahams recommends making sure those around you - neighbours or elderly family members - have everything they need while they are unable to leave the house. "Picking up some shopping, prescriptions or running errands could be a major help," she says. This will also ensure they are less likely to take risks and leave the house themselves.
2. Encourage digital methods of communication
Abrahams says this is particularly important for older people who may be less savvy with technology. "It is also time to think creatively about ways for people to stay in contact with each other and keep morale up," she says. "Now it is more important than ever to stay in touch over the phone, online or by post."
Other than the usual routes of communication, Abrahams recommends trying things like a neighbourly book club dial-in. "It might turn out that some of these options turn out to be a good way to nip loneliness in the bud in the long-term as well," she says. "What's crucial is finding ways to keep people informed and in contact in a way that is low risk."
The Campaign to End Loneliness also recommends using Whatsapp groups to share regular updates, or making video calls on Zoom as well as posting on Facebook, Twitter and other social media if you know that older people nearby or relatives are using it. "Offer help to install and use apps if needed," they add.
3. Encourage activity and movement
Abrahams says the risk to elderly people of staying indoors isn't just about their mental health, but also a reduction in movement and activity, which can be detrimental to their physical wellbeing too. She says:
"Doing what we can to encourage older people to stay physically active at home will be essential.
"This could mean making sure people have what they need to keep going with their hobbies and interests, for example items that can help with hobbies, like wool if they are knitters."
Stephen Buckley, head of information at Mind, recommends telling people to interact with nature where possible - this might invove continuing to tend to any houseplants and window boxes or opening a window to watch the birds.
4. Volunteer your time if possible
You can help with various activities including dropping off shopping, delivery driving and cooking lunch for people.
Emma Revie, chief executive of the Trussell Trust, has also encouraged people to volunteer at food banks if they have the time to do so, as they struggle to stay open with dwindling volunteer numbers.
5. Donate food and sanitary products
Despite a massive uptick in panic-buying at supermarkets and shops, food banks say they have seen a decline in donations and as a result are unable to keep up with demand in the coming weeks.
"Food banks sometimes run low on certain items," she says. "We encourage everyone to carry on donating after checking with their local food bank which items are most needed."
You can check online for which items are most needed at your local food bank.
6. Donate what you can to charity shops
It's not just food banks that need help with donations. Yesterday, Gemma Sherrington, executive director of fundraising at Save the Children, told The Independent that the closure of high street charity shops was a "realistic possibility" due to problems with funding, volunteers and donations.
You can also donate to charities from home, if you are self-isolating.
7. Do not spread panic online
Now we will all be spending more time online and communicating digitally, so it is more important than ever to keep in perspective the information we are sharing and messages we are putting out.
The Campaign to End Loneliness says: "When using social media be mindful that this may be a frightening and isolating time for many. Be kind. Offer help and advice where you can. Try not to spread unfounded rumours that may cause upset or panic."
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