Tackling social isolation for older men

A WEEKLY group aiming to tackle social isolation in older men has welcomed a special visitor.

Lynne Short depute convener of Dundee City Council’s neighbourhood, housing and communities committee dropped in on the Menzieshill group recently.

She said: “Getting older is widely recognised as one reason for feelings of loneliness and social isolation, and it doesn't matter if you are married, single or recently bereaved, the challenges faced in later years by many men are not talked about enough.

“Recent studies have shown that older men who live alone can find it difficult to access social support for various reasons including a lack of activities that interest them."  

The weekly man’s group, held in Menzieshill Community Hub aims to reduce social isolation and encourage peer support networks through chat and games of dominos, darts and pool.