Digital world ‘isolating pensioners’

THOUSANDS of Hampshire pensioners feel lonely and cut off from the digital world, a charity has warned.

The Mental Health Foundation, which surveyed more than 6,000 adults, said its findings showed that one in 10 of those aged 65 and over feel lonely some or all of the time.

One in four of those aged 65 to 74 reported feeling isolated often or some of the time, and about 10 per cent of people aged 65 or over said feelings of loneliness made them feel worried or anxious.

According to the Mental Health Foundation, the opportunities and benefits of digital communication are out of reach for many people in older age groups. Chief executive Mark Rowland said: ‘It is especially important that older people feel confident and supported to ask for help when they feel lonely and are able to access the digital tools and devices that could help to ease their loneliness.’

The charity wants the government to take action.