Why lonely OAPs seek solace at the pub

Christmas and New Year were “quiet”, according to locals at The Nott in Stockwell.

The pub, which has been around since 1955, is a second home for some of its older customers. This has increasingly become the case as levels of loneliness and social isolation in London and other cities have increased in recent years.

But is the pub, and the health risks associated with alcohol – and, for many drinkers, smoking as well – really the best place to seek comfort from these issues?

Dave, 64, an ex-labourer who has been a regular at The Nott for the past 17 years, explained: “Most people here are generally lonely and this time of year is just a reminder of what was once better times in their lives.”

Over nine million people in the UK say they are always or often lonely, but almost two thirds feel uncomfortable admitting to it

British Red Cross and Co-Op 2016.

Traditionally, admitting to depression or addiction has been regarded as taboo. For many older people, in particular, accepting and talking about issues to do with alcoholism and loneliness is not easy.

With men being three times more likely than women to become alcohol dependant according to Men’s Health, there is a clear need to raise awareness regarding this matter and coming up with ways in which to combat not only loneliness but, alcoholism within this social group.

In 2014, Age UK reported “3.9 million say television is their main company”. Colin, who goes to a few “local” pubs in Lambeth, says he uses apps on his phone to watch movies that date back to the 50s and says “this is all I do when I get home”.

Like many other older men who are regular pub-goers, Colin likes – and even needs – to drink. He waits outside for around 10 minutes before opening time at 12pm and goes straight to the bar and orders a pint of Carling to help, he says, get rid of his shakes. 

There is no doubt that going to pubs is the only type of socialising for many men like him. This may not sound like such a bad thing, but the level of alcohol that some consume is excessive. A pint can disappear in the space of a few minutes, with the next one lined up before the last drink is finished.

The statistic for the alcohol-specific death rate among 55-59 year-old males was 16.4 per 100,000 in 2018, and it is easy to see how one drink for these men leads to another, then another… and another. 

This is not just an issue at ‘locals’ – chains such as Wetherspoons and O’Neill’s also has their share of lonely and alcoholic OAPs. The Campaign to End Loneliness states that research has shown, “social isolation is harmful to our health: lacking social media connections is a comparable risk factor for early death as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, and is worse for us than well-known risk factors such as obesity and physical inactivity.”

So, how do we prevent this? What can local communities offer to pensioners feeling lonely and leaving some to resort to practically living at pubs as their only way of socialising? 

Here are some ways to combat loneliness among the elderly:

• Getting them to take part in activities such art or fitness classes aimed at older people.

• Keeping in touch with any older family members over the phone. 

• Visiting any elderly relatives, even just for tea and biscuits. 

• Showing an older relation how to use a computer and social media can be a good way of them staying in touch with events and people they know. 

• Encouraging them to take part in bingo, quiz nights and faith groups. 

• Joining the University of the Third Age (U3A), which operates in many areas and offers older people the chance to learn or do something new. Run by volunteers, it gives them the chance to do something they have never tried before or haven’t done for a long time. Also a great opportunity to make new friends. Check out the U3A website.

Pub employees are put in a difficult position when dealing with excessive drinkers. Although they have the right to stop serving, they cannot bar people for being alcoholics. They can only refuse to serve when the person seems drunk. 

By implementing and using some of the resources listed above, younger people can help in reducing the levels of loneliness along with alcoholism among the elderly in our communities. As we are raised by adults, giving back to our elders is a responsibility we cannot forget.