Loneliness in older people
About 1 in 20 over-75s in England feel lonely often or always. That’s fewer than younger adults. The clue to watch for is often a loss: a partner, the car, regular contact.
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How common is loneliness in old age?
About 5 in 100 people aged 75 and over in England feel lonely often or always. For people aged 65 to 74, it’s 4 in 100.
Those figures come from the government’s Community Life Survey, run from October 2024 to March 2025. Younger adults report it more. Among 16 to 24-year-olds it’s 9 in 100.
| Age | Lonely often or always |
|---|---|
| 16 to 24 | 9% |
| 25 to 34 | 8% |
| 35 to 49 | 7% |
| 50 to 64 | 5% |
| 65 to 74 | 4% |
| 75 and over | 5% |
Most older people have someone to lean on. In the same survey, 97% of people aged 75 and over agreed there are people who would be there if they needed help.
So loneliness in old age isn’t the norm, which makes it worth noticing. To check in with someone, ask the survey’s own question: “How often do you feel lonely?”
Why do elderly people get lonely?
NICE lists life events and circumstances that put older people at risk of decline in wellbeing and independence. Top of the list: a partner dying in the past 2 years. Others are people who:
- are carers
- live alone with little chance to socialise
- have recently separated, divorced or retired, especially if not by choice
- have a low income, or were out of work in later life
- have a new health problem, even without a hospital stay
- had to give up driving
- have lost some sight, hearing, mobility or thinking skills
- are 80 or older
That’s the clue from the top: most of these are a loss or a big change.
Lonely with family around? See our guide to feeling lonely around other people.
Hearing loss? Our hearing aids guide explains getting it checked.
Is loneliness bad for older people’s health?
It’s linked to some health problems. The NHS says loneliness that is very severe or lasts a long time might raise the risk of dementia, and of stress, anxiety, low mood or depression.
| Health problem | Higher risk | What was measured |
|---|---|---|
| Heart disease | 29% higher | Loneliness or isolation (2016 review) |
| Stroke | 32% higher | Loneliness or isolation (2016 review) |
| Early death | 26% higher | Loneliness (2015 review) |
Sources: Valtorta 2016; Holt-Lunstad 2015
These studies watched people over years. They show a link. They can’t prove loneliness is the cause.
Think of a higher risk like a forecast of rain. It’s a bigger chance, not a promise of what will happen to you.
One surprise: in the 2015 review, poor social ties predicted early death more strongly in groups whose average age was under 65.
The useful step is spotting low mood early. See our guide to the signs of depression.
What helps loneliness in old age?
Start small. The NHS says don’t try to do everything at once. Set small targets you can easily reach.
Six NHS ideas to try this week if you’re older
- Phone or video call a friend or family member.
- Join a local group, class or community activity. If you’re nervous, you can ask to go along and just watch first.
- Start a small chat when you’re out, like in a shop or the GP waiting room.
- Invite someone over, even for a short visit.
- Put something in your diary to look forward to, like a walk or a trip to the cinema.
- Ask your GP about social prescribing. They may refer you to a link worker who finds local activities.
Source: NHS: feeling lonely
NICE backs groups that meet at regular times in a regular place. Its examples include community choirs, arts and crafts and walking groups. It also backs volunteering.
Prefer one to one? Age UK runs a Telephone Friendship Service with a weekly phone chat. The Silver Line is free and open 24 hours for people over 55, on 0800 4 70 80 90.
The NHS also says try not to use alcohol, cigarettes, gambling or drugs to ease loneliness. For other everyday habits, see our mental wellbeing guide.
How can I help a lonely elderly parent or neighbour?
First, know the signs. The NHS says a lonely person may avoid social events, have trouble sleeping, or let routines slip, like no longer cooking for themselves, caring about how they look or getting up early.
Four ways to help a lonely older person
- 1
Stop and chat
If they find it hard to hear, speak clearly, but don’t shout. Pause, and give them time to answer.
- 2
Offer a hand
Shopping, posting letters, picking up prescriptions, or a lift to appointments.
- 3
Make it regular
It can be as simple as a weekly phone call. Befriending schemes need volunteers too.
- 4
Share a meal
Take round a hot plate, or a frozen portion they can heat up.
Source: NHS: how to help
In winter, the NHS says look out for drowsiness, slurred speech, or not complaining of feeling cold, even in a bitterly cold room. These can be signs of serious illness. If you’re worried, phone a relative, their doctor or NHS 111.
For advice on their behalf, the Age UK advice line is free on 0800 678 1602, 8am to 7pm, 365 days a year.
When to speak to a GP
Loneliness can leave you stressed, anxious or low. The NHS says see a GP if:
- you’re struggling to cope with stress, anxiety or a low mood
- you’ve had a low mood for more than 2 weeks
- the things you’re trying yourself are not helping
- you would prefer to get a referral from a GP
You can also refer yourself to NHS talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which helps you change unhelpful thoughts and habits, without seeing a GP.
Need help urgently, but it’s not an emergency? Call 111 or ask for an urgent GP appointment. Call 999 or go to A&E if someone needs help right now, or has seriously harmed themselves, for example by taking a drug overdose.