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Gurney, a 90-year-old aged care home resident in Victoria, once told sociologist Barbara Barbosa Neves that everyone seemed to think bingo was sex for old people.
He begged to differ. âI have had enough of bingo!â he told her. âI want to join a youth club or go roller-skating â everything except bingo.â
Sociologist Barbara Barbosa Neves is passionate about addressing the impact of loneliness on older people.
Credit:Luis Enrique Ascui
Dr Barbosa Neves, a senior lecturer in sociology at Monash University, was interviewing Gurney (not his real name) as part of her research into how people living in aged care homes experience loneliness.
THE Welsh Government cabinet have called on the people of Wales to back the fourth Great Winter Get Together campaign as it kicks off this week. The campaign marks a month long, UK-wide celebration aimed at tackling loneliness and isolation, and at bringing communities and people together. The idea was inspired by the late Jo Cox, who believed passionately in reducing loneliness and isolation. The Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services, Julie Morgan, said: “Loneliness and Isolation are feelings that can touch us at any age and any stage of our life. “This year sadly feelings of loneliness have increased, however it’s heartening to see the many ways people have adapted and supported their community and each other. I want to thank everyone who has made a difference.”