Loneliness growing problem for older people

A growing number of older people are reporting feelings of loneliness, according to new research published by the Office of National Statistics (ONS).

Almost half of people over 80 said they felt lonely some of the time or often.

• 25% of people over 52 said they felt lonely sometimes
• 9% of people over 52 said they felt lonely often
• 46% of those over 80 said they felt lonely some of the time or often
• People who had been widowed, separated or divorced or those who are in poor health are more likely to report feeling lonely