Wigan in top 10 happiest places for older people

Wigan scored well in a Happiness Index for over-65s. Photo: Georg Arthur Pflueger

The organisation looked at the Office for National Statistics (ONS) wellbeing data for 2019-20, which estimates levels of personal wellbeing in constituencies across the UK, to create its league table of satisfaction.

Wigan was the second-happiest place in the North West behind Blackburn for older people, with a happiness index score of 7.6.

Stornoway in the Hebrides was the happiest place in the UK for over-65s, followed by Kirkwall in the Orkney Islands.

Dudley in the West Midlands was reckoned to be the least-happy place to be for older people, while the loneliest over-65s in the country were found in Durham.

The loneliness index, which was also derived from ONS data, was dominated by large cities.

Despite Wigan scoring relatively well in the index, Care Sourcer said the picture across the UK as a whole was worrying, with high levels of isolation among older residents.

The organisation is urging people to take steps this winter to help tackle loneliness.

Andrew Parfery, CEO and founder of Care Sourcer, said: “Wherever you live in the UK, there are lonely older people in your area, town and probably on your street. It’s up to all of us to step up and think creatively about how we can reach out to them in a safe way.

“If you are unable to see your loved ones in person, technology is your friend.

“Pick up the phone or FaceTime older friends and family - there is no time limit on this and it is a wonderful way to see multiple people at once.

“You don’t have to use tech though. There are lots of pen pal schemes in place across the country. Pen pal schemes became very popular during the first lockdown with school children writing to the elderly in their area.

“If you are interested, you can visit your local care home’s website to see what schemes they have in place. There are also opportunities to become a telephone friend to an older person.

“You are still able to provide unpaid care for a friend or family member if needed, and some people may be able to form a support bubble with a loved one who lives by themselves.

“When doing so, it is still important to adhere to the government guidance and ensure everybody stays safe.”

Mr Parfery said the Government’s announcement of £7.5m for sectors bringing communities together to tackle loneliness during the winter was welcome.

To see the full set of statistics visit https://www.caresourcer.com/care-news/loneliness-index-over-65s/

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