App launched to aid independent living among over 70s
LONDON: A new app has been launched to help people live longer and more independently at home.
Aimed at people aged over 70, the app consists of a library of films created by The Sound Doctor, an online business which educates people and their carers about the most effective ways of managing long-term health conditions.
The films cover advice on preventing falls, combating loneliness and isolation, and managing end of life care. The app also offers information, advice and tips on nutrition, hydration, oral health and alcohol.
The Campaign to End Loneliness states that there are currently 1.2 million chronically lonely older people in the UK and that half a million older people go at least five or six days a week without seeing or speaking to anyone at all.
Rosie Runciman, Co-Founder of The Sound Doctor said, “The good news is, there is lots of help out there. If older people and their families know what help is available, and can see the potential for altering their lifestyle, there can be dramatic improvements to their quality of life. Our App is a necessary resource that will help with this and is a fantastic project for The Sound Doctor to be involved in.”
The number of people aged 75 or over is expected to double in the next 30 years. A recent report from the Royal College of Psychiatrists states that depression is the most common mental health problem in this age group.
“As we are an ageing society, we need to find ways of living at home longer, but this won’t happen unless we find ways of enjoying life in older age. Health issues affect activities we might have done previously, retirement comes with potential problems of isolation, and we need to find ways of making life work well for us in our later years.” continued Rosie.
