Want to help beat loneliness in 2017? Then try the power of a hug

I HOPE you didn’t over-indulge last night. Mind you, there’s nothing quite like that hangover on January 1 to prompt you to turn over a new leaf.

I’m not going to hector you about drinking less, eating healthier and giving up smoking – although all of those would make your life better and my job easier. I’ve got an alternative resolution for 2017. We’ve got an ageing population in the UK, which is one reason why more and more people are leading increasingly solitary lives.

Folk are becoming isolated, which isn’t great for your health. It’s causing loneliness and increasing the risk of depression across great big swathes of our society.

And because people are isolated we don’t often hear about it.

So let’s all make a resolution to tackle loneliness, whether it’s yourself or someone you suspect might be at risk.

One of the simplest ways to stop feeling isolated is volunteering.

Giving your time to a good cause is one of the easiest ways to feel better about yourself – and there are plenty of those causes needing help these days.

If you’re up to it, you might think about joining a club, or take a nightclass.

Some older people have impaired hearing and are too embarrassed to have it checked out.

I’d strongly advise these folk see a doctor about this – they’re probably missing out on conversation, and a simple bit of human contact that we all thrive on.

A pet might be a good idea too, it’s remarkable how these wee animals become precious friends.

And don’t underestimate a simple bit of human contact, too. That’s why my first prescription of 2017 is for you to give and receive more hugs. Happy New Year, everyone!