Loneliness epidemic

THE revelation that nine million people live in isolation and 200,000 elderly people go weeks without talking to a friend or relative in Britain (Mail) is a shocking exposure of the ‘progress’ made by the modern world.

It shames this country and surely must be a clarion call to stop and question where we are headed. Could this indifference towards the elderly happen in countries where the older generation is revered and the lonely are shown compassion?

The wisdom of the elderly should become a vital part of policy-making to help shape the country for generations to come. We in the West have much to learn, and more to unlearn.

DAVID HARVEY, Chippenham, Wilts. I AM glAd the Prime Minister has appointed a Minister for the lonely (Mail). The greatest loneliness in my area was caused last year, when our half-hourly bus service was stopped. Now there are only four buses a day.

The route was changed, too, so it is impossible to get to the doctor’s surgery, the dentist, the hospital and the shops unless you pay for a taxi.

I don’t live in the wilds — just four miles from the city centre. I used to go into town to shop and meet friends, but now I have to walk half a mile to another bus route. In bad weather, I’m cut off.

PATRICIA KNIGHT, Thurnby, Leics.