New research reveals more than half of over 50s in Scotland experience loneliness

More than half of over 50s in Scotland experience loneliness, according to new research by Age Scotland.

Findings from Age Scotland’s Big Survey, which consulted over 4,100 over 50s across Scotland, shows that 58% experience loneliness most, or all of the time and 47% of over 50s spend less money on socialising because of the cost-of-living crisis.

Our research also shows that the loneliest people have the poorest mental health, live alone or are in poor physical health.

The national charity for older people believes that Scotland needs to get to grips with rising feelings of loneliness otherwise the health of the nation could be severely impacted. Community groups and services for older people play a central role in tackling loneliness and social isolation.

However, our Keeping the Doors open report highlights that over the past two years more than 30 older people’s community groups in membership of Age Scotland have closed and we know that others are struggling to stay open due to spiralling costs.

Michelle Supple, deputy CEO at Age Scotland, said:

“Our Big Survey really highlights that loneliness has not gone away since the pandemic and we now have a new challenge with the cost-of-living crisis driving loneliness because older people can’t afford to spend money on socialising. Social connections are so important for older people’s physical and mental health as isolation can increase health risks in older people.

“Age Scotland’s helpline takes heart-breaking calls from people across Scotland who have gone days or weeks without hearing a friendly voice. It’s incredibly sad to think that 2 people on every street in Scotland are lonely and only have their television or a pet for company.

“Older people’s community groups make Scotland a happier and healthier place to live and we are calling for the Scottish Government, local authorities, funders, politicians, and other partners to commit to continuing to provide community groups with the resources and support they need to flourish during the cost-of-living crisis to help keep older people connected and tackle loneliness and isolation.

“We can all do our part to help end loneliness in our communities, whether by volunteering or simply reconnecting with an older friend, relative, or neighbour. Even just a friendly chat on the doorstep about the weather or phone call can brighten someone’s day if they are feeling alone.”

Age Scotland launched its free Friendship Line on 0800 12 44 222 in 2020 in response to pandemic and the increasing number of older people feeling alone. As well as taking thousands of calls, its staff and volunteers call many older people for a regular chat and to check how they are doing.

Morna Hunter, Age Scotland’s helpline manager, said:

“We know from calls to the helpline and the friendship line how widespread loneliness and isolation is and how damaging it can be to the physical and mental health of so many older people.

"Our friendship line makes weekly calls to older people in need of a chat and a friendly ear to listen. We receive such lovely feedback from our clients who say how much they look forward to their calls and how much better they feel after having a friendly chat.

"We would encourage any older person who is feeling lonely to pick up the phone and give us a call. We are here to make sure you are not alone.”