Next Sunday (October 2) sees the return of Silver Sunday which aims to tackle loneliness and isolation among older people. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the dedicated day, with well over 1,000 events being staged across the country.
Under a backdrop of increased loneliness and social isolation in older age, as well as increased anxiety due to the cost of living crisis, hundreds of fun and free activities will be hosted by communities, organisations, businesses and volunteers. Silver Sunday's nationwide network of events allows the elderly to meet new people and visit new places, as well as try new things and connect with other generations in their local communities.
Among the groups staging events this year are Lord’s Cricket Ground, Liverpool Royal Court Theatre and the Stephenson Steam Railway. The programme also includes a dog show at Paddington Recreation Ground in London, a variety show in Edinburgh, and steam train rides in Newcastle.
Elsewhere, people can find a ‘Great Elderly Tea Party” in Lancashire, a walking football tournament in Worcester, a dementia-friendly concert in Knightsbridge, line-dancing in Salisbury, an online jazz dance class and digital workshops with Three Discovery. Off the back of the Covid pandemic, the risk of isolation has never been greater.
Age UK states that 1.4 million older people in the UK are often lonely, with that figure set to reach 2 million in three-to-four years. Silver Sunday looks to demonstrate how neighbours, relatives, friends, employers and volunteers can all play their part in tackling loneliness.
Care homes will also be supporting the day’s goings-on. Providers across the country, including Bupa, Bluebird Care and Anchor Hanover, will be hosting special sing-a-longs and parties for their residents.
Silver Sunday started in the City of Westminster in 2012 as the brainchild of Christabel Flight, Trustee of the Sir Simon Milton Foundation - the charity behind the big day. Ahead of this year's running, she said: “We have been delighted by the enthusiasm displayed by so many organisations, businesses, charities and community groups across the UK to put Silver Sunday back on the map again after two lean years because of the pandemic.
“So many more older people are going to be able to enjoy Silver Sunday again this year – and don’t they need it!” Latest updates on Silver Sunday 2022 activities can be found here.
