We’ve talked a lot about the growing epidemic of loneliness and social isolation in older adults. We know that it’s there, that it is real, and that it needs to be addressed. That is why Amintro was created: to ease loneliness by fostering friendships in those 50 plus.

Loneliness has been found to lead to physical illness and cognitive decline, often leading patients to their family doctor. However, Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard, chairwoman of the Royal College of GPs says that changes need to be made so that doctors are not simply ticking boxes when it comes to patients and their health.

She said: “GPs see patients, many of whom are widowed, who have multiple health problems like diabetes, hypertension and depression, but often their main problem isn’t medical – they’re lonely.”

More and more studies are being published on the detriments of social isolation, especially as the number of retirees increase. In fact, 40 percent of people over 60 admit to being lonely, and that percentage increases successively in each decade of life.

Professor Stokes-Lampard added, “Guidelines say we should be talking to them about their weight, exercise and prescribing more medication – but really what these patients need is someone to listen to them and to find purpose in life.”

At Amintro, we are helping those 50 years and up to find that purpose and reignite their lives. Our motto is “Make friends. Live life” and that is exactly what we help seniors do.

We are not a dating site! What we provide is a safe environment for mature adults to build a private online profile that reflects who they are as a friend, and what they consider important characteristics in friends, based on personal experience, likes and dislikes.

Once you connect online, you can head out to explore your community, join activities, start a club, and live life to its fullest. Our mission is to keep older adults socially engaged for a healthier, happier life.

Membership is free, you can take a look and sign up here or learn more about us and our community by following us on Twitter: @AmintroFriends, or liking us on Facebook: AmintroFriends.

By Christine Tompa