We need to do more to help lonely older people

We should all do more to help lonely older people, according to the results of a new survey we're publishing today. 

During November, we asked over 60s in Wales a series of questions about loneliness and potential solutions to the problem.

Of those surveyed, 88 per cent said lonely older people do need more help and support, and of those:

• 70 per cent said free or subsidised transport to and from social events for older people would help tackle loneliness;

• 70 per cent said lunch clubs and social clubs for older people would help tackle loneliness;

• 70 per cent said regular visits from a friendly face for older people would help tackle loneliness;

• 58 per cent said a regular weekly phone call would help tackle loneliness;

"What makes this survey so valuable is that it provides an insight into some potential solutions to the problem of loneliness that older people themselves have identified" said our chief executive, Ian Thomas.

"It also demonstrates that there are simple things we can all do to help combat loneliness among older people, such as calling in to say ‘Hello' every so often and picking up the phone for a chat once a week."

TNS survey for Age Cymru, 198 respondents in Wales Adults 60+, November 2016*