A quarter of adults feel they have no real friends
study of 2,000 adults has found recent restrictions have exacerbated the UK’s loneliness problem, with a fifth feeling increasingly isolated during the past three months.
More than a fifth also revealed the pandemic has strained existing friendships because close acquaintances have failed to reach out to them.
And 14 per cent fear they have lost friends forever as a result of not being able to visit them in person.
Commissioned by Santander, the study also found more than one in 10 broke lockdown rules so they could see friends and family – because they felt so lonely.
Sue Willis, trustee of Santander Foundation, said: “It’s clear that during lockdown many people have been affected by loneliness and isolation.
“It is heartbreaking to see the impact it has had on some people’s lives and friendships.
“We are very proud to be working with Age UK and Alzheimer’s Society to support the fantastic work they do to support older people and those living with dementia during this difficult time.
“While coronavirus has put the spotlight on some of these issues of loneliness, we are committed to providing long term support for vulnerable people in our communities who suffer from loneliness through our work with the charities.”
The study also found that, prior to the lockdown, it was common for a quarter of the population to go several days without speaking to anyone at all.
And this hasn’t necessarily improved since the restrictions were introduced - as 37 per cent said they’ve had days with no contact at all.
Currently, 26 per cent of adults feel lonely, with one in 10 finding this the most challenging aspect of the lockdown.
Video calls have proved beneficial in reducing feelings of loneliness among 25 per cent but one in 10 admitted they feel more distant afterwards.
AMore than half of those polled haven’t shared their struggles during lockdown with another person.
A third of those who haven’t discussed their difficulties opted not to because they didn’t want to worry anyone, and a fifth find openness too hard.
Instead, 40 per cent of those suffering with loneliness have taken to comfort eating, while a quarter now regularly exceed the recommended alcohol consumption limit.
But the most common effect of loneliness is missing friends and family - and older people have perhaps felt this most.
Nearly three quarters of people over 55 said they have struggled with loneliness during lockdown, and two thirds admitted they’ve not talked about finding it difficult to cope.
This may have affected their overall wellbeing as four in 10 adults with older or vulnerable relatives said they’ve noticed a deterioration in their mental or physical health over recent months.
The Santander study, carried out through OnePoll, also found loneliness proved to be significantly challenging for those who live alone.
Currently a fifth of the population live alone and 38 per cent feel lonely – 14 per cent more than those who reside with someone else.
Those living alone had gone an average 11 days without talking to anyone at all since the lockdown came into effect on 23 March.
Santander UK employees are signing up to volunteer in a number of ways with Alzheimer’s Society and Age UK.