Loneliness among older men growing problem in society

Loneliness among older men is a growing problem in our society - especially for those with poor health.

Almost a third of older men who have long-term health problems - that's around half a million (550,000) men over the age of 65 in England - are lonely, according to new analysis revealed by Age UK.

Age UK is warning that in the coming years, demographic change will see many more older men living alone - the number is set to rise by a massive 65% by 2030 - which will greatly increase their risks of becoming lonely.  Unfortunately, all the evidence shows that older men who live alone are more likely to be lonely than their female counterparts and to have less regular contact with family and friends, exacerbating feelings of loneliness.

There are clear reasons behind the high numbers of lonely only people, according to Age UK.  Families are more geographically scattered due to factors such as the changing job market, working families live busy, hectic lives; and as more of us use electronic communications, older people risk feeling very left out if they can't join in.  The Charity is calling on the Government to recognise loneliness and isolation in later life as a serious health problem and commit to action to help tackle it.

For more information about loneliness in later life, please visit www.ageuk.org.uk or call Age UK's free advice line on 0800 169 6565.