Public health news: Social determinants of health

March 2023

Social Determinants of Health

Age UK defines:

• Isolation as 'separation from social or familial contact, community involvement or access to services'
• Loneliness as 'an individual's personal or subjective lack of these

Therefore, it is possible to be isolated without being lonely, and to be lonely without being isolated. It is also important to recognise that isolation and loneliness impacts on all ages not just the elderly.

The Campaign To End Loneliness provide some stark facts:

• 92% are scared to admit they are feeling lonely
• 8/10 are judged negatively for feeling lonely
• 64% more likely to get dementia - there are also links to other health such as increased risk of heart disease and mental health. More visits to A&E as well as more hospital stays.
• 1million of 65 year olds always or often feel lonely
• 13% feel lonely all the time
• Loneliness is comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day

The need for a local strategy has been highlighted in a number of key documents, such as the Director of Public Health Annual Report in 2021 / 22. Feedback from warm spaces highlights loneliness as one of the main reasons for people attending.

South Tyneside Council and partners will be holding a face-to-face consultation event in March to gather a range of views that will help to shape the loneliness and isolation strategy and the work on this area in the future.

If you'd like more information or to be involved in this event, please email christina.hardy@southtyneside.gov.uk.