Loneliness among men is a major challenge, say health campaigners

LONELINESS among older men is becoming a 'major public health challenge', a charity has said.

Age UK said around half a million men over the age of 65 in England who have a long-term health problem are lonely, and this is only set to get worse as more people live longer.

It is calling on the Government to recognise loneliness and isolation in later life as a serious health problem, and says action is needed to counteract it.

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As well as the impact on mental health, loneliness is linked to an increased risk of conditions such as dementia, high blood pressure and depression.

Age UK argued that several reasons are contributing to high numbers of men feeling lonely, including families living away, hectic lives and more use of technology, which may make older people feel left behind.

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: “Loneliness is a widespread problem among older men, especially for those who are unwell, bereaved or who have seen family and friends move away.

“As more older men live longer, we need to appreciate that the numbers who are chronically lonely are likely to increase too - unless we do something about it, which we can and we must do.”

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“Loneliness is often a hidden issue, as many older men tend to be stoical and reluctant to admit how lonely they are.”

Loneliness: The Hidden Epidemic was launched in The Yorkshire Post in February 2014 with two main aims, for loneliness to be universally recognised as a health priority and to encourage our readers to volunteer for support services. The Post campaign has repeatedly been at the forefront of raising awareness.