THE AGE OF LONELINESS
Older people are living by themselves, and not out of choice
ONE in every eight households is occupied by a pensioner living alone. New data from the Office for National Statistics shows that of the 23.4 million households in England and Wales, some 2.9 million are occupied by pensioners living alone.
In fact, there are more pensioners living by themselves than with another person of pension age.
And living alone could be putting pensioners’ health at risk. Independent Age says that more than one in three people aged 75 and older experience feelings of loneliness out of their control. In fact, a Royal College of General Practitioners report found that loneliness and social isolation can be as bad for patients as chronic health conditions. The report also said five patients a day go to the GP because of loneliness. Earlier this year Tracey Crouch was appointed as a minister for loneliness following recommendations from the Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness.
At the time of her appointment the government noted that more than 200,000 older people haven’t had a conversation with a friend or relative in over a month.
Prime Minister Theresa May said: “For far too many people, loneliness is the sad reality of modern life.
“I want to confront this challenge for our society and for all of us to take action to address the loneliness endured by the elderly, by carers, by those who have lost loved ones – people who have no one to talk to or share their thoughts and experiences with.”
Caroline Abrahams, charity director for Age UK, said: “The older you get, the more likely you are to outlive those you’ve been closest to most of your life, increasing your risk of loneliness.
"Many older people who live alone do so not through choice but following the death of their husband or wife.
"It can be hard to make new friends in later life, especially if the onset of illness or disability undermines your ability to get out and about.
“Families and communities can make a huge difference to the lives of older people living alone, including those who have recently been bereaved. This can be as simple as checking in on them. GPs can also help by sign-posting to local services that help people to stay connected.” Most areas have volunteering opportunities available for younger people who are able to meet with and provide company to pensioners. The problem is unlikely to resolve itself. In fact, by the year 2116, some 27 in every 100 people will be pensioners.