Loneliness has become one of the great evils of the 21st century. Lately, I have seen how different media constantly report on this circumstance and the problems it brings to the physical and emotional state of human beings.
It is increasingly common to have among our acquaintances neighbors or relatives who live alone either by their own decision, due to the death of their partner, or due to the emancipation of their sons and daughters.
Older people who live alone are more vulnerable and may suffer accidents that, on occasions, could cause serious injuries or even death due to lack of assistance.
It is evident that public administrations have to adapt progressively to the new needs and demands of society to offer an effective solution to a circumstance (loneliness) that, unfortunately, increases relentlessly.
Countries like the United Kingdom, for example, have become aware of the drama of loneliness that only in that region of the European continent already affects nine million people. British Prime Minister Teresa May, in 2018, appointed Tracey Crouch as Secretary of State to fight against loneliness and its social and economic consequences.
Citizens expect answers from public representatives. Therefore, from the Socialist Group for Lanzarote we work to offer, through proposals in all administrations, solutions to combat this reality.
Therefore, we are committed to the Social Services departments of the town councils creating disciplinary teams that study loneliness and the impact it has on the elderly to provide adequate responses to each case; from improving communication in home care, taking as a reference the pioneering work of NGOs such as the Red Cross, the creation of a time bank led by volunteers, and the drafting of a project for the management of sheltered housing for the elderly.
I am sure that many people will want to donate their time to care for, accompany and assist people who live alone.
Our country is defined as a social state, however we are not fully so. We have fallen far behind in the needs of today's society and we must move forward to meet the demands of an increasingly changing society and that, as I have written, faces new challenges and needs. It is the moment.
By José Montelongo, candidate for mayor of Arrecife by ASL