1 in 10 over-50s ‘feels more lonely than year ago’, survey discovers
LONELINESS AMONG older people is on the increase, with many over 50-year-olds feeling more lonely than a year ago, new research suggests.
Many of those feeling lonely say it’s because they no longer work, live alone, or have children who have left home.
A survey found that one in 10 said they felt more lonely than a year ago.
One in four said they had less money to see people, while three per cent cited Brexit. People over the age of 50 have an average of six close friends and see them once every five days, said over 50s dating app Lumen, which commissioned the study.
Most of those questioned said they would rather have friends than a bigger house, a new car, or promotion at work.
Charly Lester, co-founder of Lumen, said: “Loneliness is a silent epidemic, and a huge issue for millions of people.
“Among the over 50s, retiring from work and children leaving home can be huge factors, as can being single.”
Meanwhile, a separate study by Linkedin indicated that most freelance workers felt lonely in their job.
A survey of 1,000 freelancers indicated that things they missed included office parties and having colleagues to chat to.
But perks included not having to commute, and having a variety of work.
The news comes as a growing number of pubs are joining a campaign to tackle loneliness and social isolation through initiatives including free dinners for the elderly and meeting spaces for the community.
The Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) said dozens of pubs were running events aimed at connecting people.
Camra’s chairman Nik Antona said: “There’s something about the colder months when it is harder to enjoy the outdoors that makes winter particularly isolating for some.”Robin Hewings of the Campaign to End Loneliness said: “There are nine million lonely people in the UK, and about four million of those are older people.”
A campaign has been running in since 2014 for loneliness to be recognised as a health priority and to encourage people to volunteer for support services.