Isolation for older people and older carers is sadly very common, however getting them to realise this is all the more difficult. I spent many years managing home care services and often visited families or individuals at times of crisis. The people with little or no family input or friends or neighbours struggled on until they could go no further.
It always saddened me slightly that people ended up so isolated and cut off from their community and society in general. I often made suggestion of local groups but as the saying goes you can take a horse to water ........
I recently set up a social enterprise company offering supported breaks and thankfully have had a few older people who recognise the importance of getting out of the house, booking a break, have a change of scenery and what a difference it can make to them and their outlook on life.

Hi Ena1

Sorry if you feel I was advertising, as a registered member I was giving my first hand experience of isolation which affects many carers, older people and those with health and disabilities. It's something I felt so strongly about that I left my job to set up a social enterprise to offer something that didn't exist for people and carers.
If my post subsequently benefits even one carer then it surely worth while.
Stephen

Hi everyone,

Swissmiss and Ena, you're right in that the house rules state that we don't allow commercial advertising on the site and we are careful to remove any posts which are simply advertisements for a product. However, we do use our discretion in judging examples of this and, at times, where we feel a post on the boards may be of genuine interest to carers we may allow it to remain.
Thank you both for stepping in to remind the poster in this case, we do appreciate your vigilance!

Online support team
Carers.org

Hi Crystalbluewolf
Thanks for your post, it's true there is only so many times you can do chores around the house before you are sick of the sight of them. This can be a real problem for people during the winter months when the weather is poor, the day light hours are limited. However I think the fact that you are taking the dog out, gardening and carrying out housework tasks may not seem like much but it's probably making a significant impact on your well being, stop doing these tasks and I would guarantee your mood would suffer.
The fact that you recognise this is a problem and can freely speak about it is a positive step and one to build upon, that is why forums such as this offer a virtual world of people to communicate with and share problems, stories and offer advice.
When I worked in social work a number of years ago I met a remarkable man in his 80s that still sticks in my mind, every week he would set him self a new task, either to learn about something he didn't know, learn a new skill, take up a hobby and so on. Every week he would do something new or start a project. He said it kept him out of trouble and gave him something to look forward to and focus on each week.