Chronic loneliness in older people ‘threat to public health’

Chronic loneliness among the elderly in the UK is a threat to the health of one in ten, according to a new report.

The study – entitled 'Promising approaches to reducing loneliness and isolation in later life' – reveals that dementia, depression and high blood pressure are all linked to loneliness.

Age UK and the Campaign to End Loneliness, which both collaborated to produce the report, claim that the health of 50 percent of the elderly will be impacted by 2028, meaning health professionals and local councils must take action immediately.

Caroline Abrahams, director of Age UK, said that feelings of isolation are widespread among elderly Brits, leading to millions facing the challenges of later life on their own. As the number of older people increases, the problem will only get worse, she continued.  

"Mounting evidence shows loneliness has a serious impact on our mental and physical health – which in turn can lead to greater reliance on health and social care services – making it an issue we can ill-afford to ignore," Ms Abrahams added.

The new report explains the full impact that chronic loneliness – defined as feeling isolated all or most of the time – can have on the health of older people. It revealed that one in four, or 2.9 million, Brits aged 65 and over have no one to go to for help and support.