Millions of older folk suffer loneliness and isolation
Millions of older people are suffering from loneliness and are cut off from the digital world, a charity has warned.
The Mental Health Foundation surveyed more than 6,000 adults and says its findings showed that one in 10 of those aged 65 and over feel lonely some or all of the time – with one in four of those reported feeling isolated often or some of the time
About 10% 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.
Data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) suggests that of the three million people without access to the internet, 67% are aged over 70.
Mark Rowland, chief executive of the Mental Health Foundation, said: "Feeling lonely for a prolonged period of time can have a negative impact on our mental and physical health.
"However, we suspect that for some older people and those around them, loneliness is seen as simply part of the process of growing older.
"This view isn't helped by the common assumption that loneliness is linked to aging or simply the natural consequence of living alone.
"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 is calling on the Government to do more to prevent digital exclusion and commit to older people's mental health.