Half a million older people spend every day alone, poll shows

Scale of loneliness among over-60s revealed as Age UK develops scheme to provide support and companionship

Half a million people over the age of 60 usually spend each day alone, with no interaction with others, and nearly half a million more commonly do not see or speak to anyone for five or six days a week, a poll suggests.

Age UK, which commissioned the research, said the results highlighted a growing number of chronically lonely older people, which was placing increasing demand on health services.