Who is most Affected?
Loneliness can affect anyone, but it is more common among young adults, older people, disabled people, and those with long term conditions. People living alone, single parents, single pensioners, and those in deprived or rural areas are also more likely to feel lonely. Carers and people who are bereaved can be particularly vulnerable.
Why it Matters
Feeling lonely often, or for long periods, can affect your health.
It is linked to low mood, anxiety, depression, poor sleep, increased stress, heart disease, stroke, cognitive decline, and dementia.
What can cause Loneliness?
Loneliness can be triggered by many life events or challenges. Losing someone close, moving home, or retiring can cause feelings of loneliness. Health issues, reduced mobility, money worries, and limited local opportunities can also play a role. Poor transport and difficulty staying digitally connected can make loneliness worse. Sometimes people feel lonely because they feel different or don’t feel they fit in. These feelings can change over time, and everyone experiences loneliness at some point.
What can Help?
There are small steps that can help:
• Keeping a routine with meals, hydration, and sleep can provide stability. Getting fresh air or taking short daily walks can lift your mood. Setting small, achievable goals and trying new hobbies or returning to old ones can also help.
• Connecting with others can make a big difference. Reaching out to friends, neighbours, or family helps build social bonds. Joining local groups or community activities can create opportunities to meet new people. Your Social Prescriber or Community Link Worker can help you to find and access groups and activities in your local area (see Further Information section for details on how to access this service).
• Volunteering can help you feel valued and connected. Contact your local volunteering hub for more information (see Further Information section)
• If loneliness feels overwhelming, it’s important to talk to someone you trust. You can also contact your GP or local wellbeing services. Counselling or talking therapies may help, and further information and resources are available below.
Social Isolation and Loneliness
Understanding Social Isolation and Loneliness
Social isolation: Having very few social contacts or meaningful relationships.
Loneliness: The uncomfortable feeling that comes from not having the social connection we want.
You can feel lonely even when surrounded by others.
Social isolation: Having very few social contacts or meaningful relationships.
Loneliness: The uncomfortable feeling that comes from not having the social connection we want.
You can feel lonely even when surrounded by others.