How to Tackle Loneliness Later in Life

Why Do So Many Older Adults Feel Lonely?

According to Age UK, more than 1.4 million older people feel cut off from society and more than a million say they go more than a month without talking to a family member, neighbour or friend.

Becoming socially isolated happens for so many different reasons, such as:

• Disability and illness which can often limit mobility
• Ageing and becoming weaker
• Children moving away so older parents are no longer the central unit of the family
• The deaths of partners and friends

Understandably, difficult events like these can leave you feeling down and like you’ve lost all motivation to get out there and stay connected to the world.

It becomes really easy to shut yourself off and withdraw after grief, especially when it feels like there’s still stigma surrounding loneliness or when pride makes it even harder to reach out.

That’s why it’s so important to recognise the signs of loneliness early on so you can take steps to intervene before it worsens.

What Are the Signs of Loneliness?

Loneliness can manifest in lots of different ways. Here are just some of the signs:

• Withdrawing from social contact - avoiding phone calls, visits, even casual chats with neighbours
• Losing interest in hobbies and activities which used to make you feel happy
• Low mood, sadness or hopelessness
• Sleeping more (or less) than usual
• Changes in appetite or eating habits
• Neglecting personal hygiene or chores

What Are the Impacts of Loneliness on Physical Health?

Loneliness doesn’t just affect your mental health, it can have serious consequences for your physical health too.

Chronic loneliness has been linked to:

• Higher blood pressure and risk of heart disease
• Reduced immune function
• Poor sleep and cognitive decline

According to an international commission launched by the World Health Organisation (WHO), loneliness can be as harmful for your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day – potentially even more so than obesity or a lack of physical activity.

That’s why it’s so important to spot the signs and take action straight away.

What Can You Do If You Feel Lonely?

Taking the first step can be the hardest part, but small changes can make a big difference. Here are some practical ways to begin breaking the cycle of loneliness:

• Share how you feel with a friend, family member or a helpline like The Silver Line, which is there if you need to talk to someone immediately
• Explore local connections by contacting your local Age UK, library or community centre to ask about lunch clubs, walking groups or gentle exercise classes
• Use telephone or in-person befriending services offered by organisations like Age UK, where you’ll be matched with someone for regular chats
• Volunteer but choose something fun whether it’s dog-walking for a neighbour or reading to schoolchildren
• Explore u3a (University of the Third Age) which is a nationwide movement, offering classes and social groups run by and for older adults with no exams or pressure
• Get involved with letter writing schemes where you can sign up to receive hand-written, thoughtful letters which can feel more personal than a text
• Animal companionship can help to reduce stress and loneliness but if you can’t keep a pet yourself, consider helping out at your local shelter
• Ask your GP for a social prescription, which can link you to walking groups, gardening clubs or buddy systems

HelpAlert Support

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If you’d like to see how the service works, we offer a 14-day trial with no long contracts and only a small postage charge to get started.

Call our friendly UK Care Team on 01273 055049 or explore our monitored alarm range below to find the right option for you or your loved one.