• Text size      
  • Send this article to a friend
  • Print this article

Elderly facing loneliness epidemic

Older people are in the grip of a loneliness epidemic, with the over-65s spending more than 66 million hours alone each day in Britain, a poll has revealed.

Having to leave the family home most concerned just 4% of respondents, and 72% of those polled had not made any changes to the way they lived, or any preparations for their changing housing needs.

Arco chairman Jon Gooding said: "We are in the grip of a loneliness epidemic. People are fearful of their declining health, and yet appear to be unprepared for old age. Couple this with the fact that in 2033 there will be 3.3 million people over the age of 85 in the UK and it becomes clear we face a momentous challenge."

Contextual targeting label: 
Families

Commenting & Moderation

We moderate all comments on HeraldScotland on either a pre-moderated or post-moderated basis. If you're a relatively new user then your comments will be reviewed before publication and if we know you well then your comments will be subject to moderation only if other users or the moderators believe you've broken the rules, which are available here.

Moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours. Please be patient if your posts are not approved instantly.