Ritchie calls on people to help their neighbours
A LOCAL councillor has called on people to support their elderly neighbours.
Alderman Drew Ritchie called on local people to make a new year’s resolution to provide help and support to their elderly neighbours.
“New Year may be a time for resolutions, celebration and a new start for many, but for many of our elderly population it can be a time of loneliness, feeling vulnerable and insecure for the future,” Alderman Ritchie said.
He added: “Many over 65s feel permanently lonely, do not know their neighbours, and consider television their main company.
“Many have no company throughout the year and experts have equated the effect of loneliness on health to that of obesity or smoking. It can hasten dementia and increase the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.
“Half of our over 75s live alone and many leave their homes less than once a week.
“This year ensure one of your resolutions is aimed at helping and supporting your elderly neighbours frequently; a daily chat works a treat and volunteering to help in one of our many community groups will help, councils community development staff will gladly steer you in the proper direction.
“It need not take a lot of your time, as little or much as you can afford and you will be contributing to your community and improving yours and others quality of life.”
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Weather for Antrim
Wednesday 19 June 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 10 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 12 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: South east
