Older people are very vulnerable to loneliness and isolation. This can have a serious impact on both physical and mental health.

Studies have shown being lonely even increases the risk of dementia, such as this 2007 study.

The study followed almost 80 older people for four years, and found the risk of dementia, specifically Alzheimer’s Disease, was more than doubled in lonely versus non-lonely people. Loneliness was associated with a lower level of cognition at baseline, and with more rapid cognitive decline.

People over 75 are especially likely to feel lonely and cut off from society. Age UK reports over 2 million over-75s live alone, and more than a million older people regularly go over a month without speaking to a friend, relative, or neighbour.

Why are older people more prone to loneliness, and what can be done?

Older people are more likely to feel lonely for a variety of reasons, although there are ways to overcome these.

1. Physical Illness

Getting older makes people more prone to physical illnesses. Experiencing pain, feeling easily fatigued, and struggling with mobility can all lead someone to be reluctant to leave the house. Physical health issues can also cause a loss of confidence, leading older people to become wary of visiting places they used to enjoy.

What you can do

Make sure to eat sensibly, and avoid smoking and alcohol. Your GP can help you cut back on unhealthy habits. There are many support groups for people with specific illnesses, and many offer online sessions so you can meet other people without having to leave your home.

There are illness-specific groups from organisations such as Parkinson’s UK (call 0808 800 0303 or visit parkinsons.org.uk/local-support-groups for details) or Macmillan Cancer Support (call 0808 808 00 00 for details) that supports carers. Many groups offer free expert advice, counselling, and respite care for your loved one so you can have some time to yourself without worrying.

2. Family changes

As people age, and family dynamics change, older people can be left out. Without realising it, we may assume our elderly relatives do not want to come out and about with younger family members, or don’t want the fuss or stress of visits. As families grow, dynamics can change. Whereas they may have been at the centre of family occasions, when their children start hosting events it can be easy for an older person to feel left out. Children moving away and becoming busy with partners and children can also result in older people feeling left behind.

What you can do

It can be difficult speaking to relatives about feeling lonely. You may think they are too busy and you don’t want to disturb them, or that they don’t want to see you. Your relatives, too, may assume you

are busy. It can help to give your loved ones a call, and let them know the sort of things you would like to do. Sometimes people underestimate what an older person can do. They might assume you would struggle with taking grandchildren to the park for example. Sharing ideas for ways to spend time together can be the first step to spending more time with your loved ones.

3. New responsibilities

Many older people having caring responsibilities. Their spouse may be unwell, or they may find caring for a sibling or friends takes up a lot of time. It can feel as though you get little time for yourself, and meeting up with others can be difficult or even make you feel guilty.

What you can do

Guideposts can help boost your wellbeing if you are a carer, and with many carer groups, you can take part online without having to leave home or your loved one. Guideposts can also have a friendly volunteer pop round to visit you at home, so you won’t have to leave your loved one.

The council has a duty to ensure carers are supported. Call 0800 319 6789 to speak to Independent Age, who can help you get started.

The groups mentioned above in Physical illness can help support carers with expert advice. There are condition-specific organisations, as well as general carer organisations, who will step in to help carers.

4. Bereavement

Sadly, the loss of a partner is one of the most common reasons for an older person to feel lonely. In addition to this, the loss of a partner can also mean the loss of their partner’s friends and extended family.

What you can do

For bereavement support, you can call Cruse Bereavement Care on 0808 808 1677 or learn more about them here. It can be very helpful to speak to others in a similar position and understand that you are not alone. Find out if there is a group local to you for people who have lost their spouses.

5. Leaving work

After retirement, many people find they miss the sociability of work. From meeting new people to working in teams with colleagues you might have known to years, and enjoying a good chat during lunch breaks, many of us have friends at work. After leaving work, it can be a shock to suddenly not encounter these colleagues each day. Aside from loneliness, this can also make older people feel as though they are being forgotten and left behind by society and the people they care about.

What you can do

Aside from reaching out and letting work friends know you’d like to meet up or chat on the phone, if you are missing the social interactions that come with work, you might like to join a group to help you meet new people. Many will be in a similar situation. Depending on where you live, you will have access to groups which may include walking groups, singing groups, craft classes, book clubs, bingo, bridge, quiz nights, and faith groups. Local branches of organisations such as the Women’s Institute, can also be great chances to stay social.

Guideposts offers Connect groups, often accompanied by crafts (and plenty of tea!), and a Befriending Scheme if you would prefer to have a friendly volunteer visit you at home.

6. Financial issues

Many retired people find they do not have the money to do the things they would like. Not being able to afford petrol, public transport, the cinema, eating out or attending events can certainly make one feel isolated.

What you can do

Make sure you are claiming all the benefits you are entitled to. Many older people forget about Pension Credit, and its easy to check if you are entitled. Just call the Pension Service on 0800 99 1234 to see if you qualify for something you haven’t yet claimed.

In your area, there are likely to be a lot of free events. There may be free book clubs or craft groups. It is well worth checking online. Remember to ask about age-related discounts whenever you go out, too. Cinemas and restaurants very often offer discounts for seniors.

Remember…

There is a stigma around ‘admitting’ to loneliness, although it is incredibly common to feel lonely, and it affects people of every age group. Older people may be reluctant to reach out for help, due to stigma, pride, or just worrying about being a ‘burden’. However, loneliness is a serious health risk.

Similarly, everyone should look out for the older people in their lives. Just because they don’t say something, doesn’t mean they are not feeling lonely or down.

It is important to remember that relationships and conversations don’t have to be close to be meaningful. Even a quick chat with the postman can leave you feeling more connected to those around you. If you are not feeling very confident, just being around people without speaking to them can help. You can try going to the cinema, shops, garden centre or a public event.

Grab every chance to smile at others or begin a conversation. Cashiers in shops or people next to you in a que or waiting room can be a good place to start if you are nervous about talking to new people.

Remember, it’s not ‘just feeling a bit lonely’, it can also affect your health!