MORE must be done to tackle isolation among the elderly.
That's the plea from those working in day centres and support services, who are concerned that not enough is being done to ensure senior citizens are not forgotten and housebound.
Every week, hundreds of people take advantage of the Woodhatch Day Centre, Age Concern and Live At Home schemes, which provide companionship and entertainment for members.
But these vital services are unable to reach everyone.
Anne Ager, assistant manager at the Woodhatch Centre, in Whitebeam Drive, said: "The problem of isolation among old people has got worse over the years, it shouldn't in this day and age. It is vital to get older people out of the house."
Nearly 23,000 of Reigate and Banstead borough's residents are older than 65 – about 17 per cent of the population – and Tandridge has a further 15,355 elderly residents.
Of these residents in East Surrey, more than 2,000 are older than 90, according to last year's census.
But more of these residents are becoming housebound as the loss of friends, family and mobility makes getting around more difficult. Buses4U – which will offer an extended service for the next year following an £11,000 grant from Surrey County Council – currently helps some elderly residents to access services.
While others drive or use public transport, volunteers say a lack of information about available help services leaves many out in the cold.
Vikki Newman, of Age Concern Merstham, Redhill and Reigate, said: "In this area a lot of people aren't really aware of the problem with isolation.
"A lot of older people assume, because they're old, they have no place in society, but that is not true."
For many of East Surrey's elderly population, who have seen their savings devastated by rising living costs, day centres and support services are a vital lifeline.
Eric Smithers, 90, said: "I get a good meal at the centre and it's cheap. I'm expected to live off £24 a day. My life savings are down to £2,000. I worked and saved all my life."
For many, the companionship provided by services such as the day centres are their only contact with the outside world.
Pauline Jenkins, 84, said: "It is a great outlet for people who have lost their partners, it gives people somewhere to go. Loneliness is a massive problem."
Peggy Byrne, 80, added: "Without these centres, old people get left out on their own and forgotten.
"Just because you're old doesn't mean you're daft."
Some of the support services:- The Banstead Centre, The Horseshoe, Bolters Lane, Banstead 01737 361712
- The Regent House Community Centre, Albert Road, Horley 01293 774770
- The Woodhatch Centre, Whitebeam Drive, Woodhatch 01737 221030
- Age Concern Merstham, Redhill and Reigate, Weldon Way, Merstham 01737 645636
- Reigate and Redhill Live at Home Scheme, Redhill Methodist Church, Gloucester Road, Redhill 01737 780610
- Meals on Wheels, Douglas Brunton Centre, Park Road, Caterham 01883 347230
- Age Concern Bletchingley, Tower Lodge, Outwood Lane, Bletchingley 01883 740248
- The Woodhouse Centre, Hoskins Road, Oxted 01883 715189
- Age Concern Caterham and District, Douglas Brunton Centre, Park Road, Caterham 01883 344307
- Age Concern Godstone, Oxted Road, Godstone 01883 742708
