How to overcome loneliness

Why it’s important to address loneliness

Over recent years we've gained a greater understanding of the impact loneliness has on our health.

We now know that, for example, the effect of loneliness and isolation can be as harmful to our health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, and is more damaging than obesity.

It is associated with depression, sleep problems, impaired cognitive health, heightened vascular resistance, hypertension, psychological stress and mental health problems.

What you can do

There are a number of things you can do to tackle loneliness:

Take advantage of services that tackle loneliness

Take steps to make new connections

You might want to consider joining a friendship group. This can be a good way to build new and meaningful friendships, and help you to regain your confidence.

Contact the Elderly hold monthly afternoon tea parties for people aged over 75 who live on their own with little or no chance to socialise.

If you're missing the social connections you used to have through work, you could also consider volunteering or perhaps going to classes through The University of the Third Age.