THE charity Age UK has warned that the number of older people who are lonely will increase by around 50 per cent in the next seven years.
Data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, a long-term project investigating economic, physical and mental well-being in over-50s, shows that 2 million people in this age group will live in social isolation by 2025-2026, up from 1.36 million in 2015-2016.
The projected increase is due to several factors, including people living longer, family members living further apart and cuts to local social services.
Loneliness can become a downward spiral. People who are lonely are more likely to experience poor mental and physical health, which can lead to greater social isolation.
The UK government has set up a £11 million fund to help connect people across the country. The National Health Service recommends older people keep in touch with family and friends via email or video chat.
This article appeared in print under the headline “Sharp rise in over 50s loneliness”
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