Tackling loneliness in older age – why we need action by all ages

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present and discuss a range of evidence from across the UK and further afield that supports the view that preventing loneliness through action by all ages will ultimately improve the health and wellbeing of older people, and that an asset‐based, cross‐agency movement to creating and maintaining connections in older age could deliver savings to both health and social care in the long term.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a collation of academic research, along with more informal evidence from voluntary sector groups to support an approach to policy and practice that tackles loneliness in older age.

Findings

Drawing on evidence from UK and US research that states the health impact of loneliness, a view of the multi‐layered action required shows that local health bodies, charities and groups as well as neighbours and businesses have crucial parts to play to stop the pernicious hold of loneliness in older age.

Originality/value

The arguments put forward here draw on research undertaken by academic authors but their collation to present a view on how to address the impact of loneliness on health is a relatively recent one.

Citation

Ferguson, L. (2012), "Tackling loneliness in older age – why we need action by all ages", Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, Vol. 13 No. 4, pp. 264-269. https://doi.org/10.1108/14717791211286931