Tackling Loneliness

Growing older brings with it big life changes, so is it any wonder we can often feel lonely and isolated?

-  LISA BURN

Loneliness is something we all feel from time to time - it's part of being human and a natural response to lack of connection. It also affects people of all ages, not just older generations as you might expect.

In fact, it may come as a surprise to learn that it's young people who are most likely to be affected by loneliness, according to figures from the Office For National Statistics.

Each life stage brings with it different challenges and new situations, from starting school through starting work, becoming a parent, moving house, retirement and everything after. Isolation and feeling disconnected from other people can happen at any age- and of course, you can be surrounded by people and still feel lonely.

It also takes different forms: transient loneliness which passes quickly; situational loneliness, where you feel lonely at specific times; social loneliness, such as that felt when you move to a new place and don't know anyone; emotional loneliness from the death of a loved one and chronic loneliness, which becomes entrenched, creating mental and physical health issues.

As we get older and our children grow up and move away from home, we can feel a loss of purpose and direction. Divorce, and the breakdown in social circles this often brings, can lead to feelings of isolation. Major life events, such as retirement, can also have a big impact.