One in four older people feel they have no one, says Age UK

Some 2.9 million people aged 65 and over now feel they have no one to go to for help and support, an Age UK survey has found.

Of the people surveyed, 39 per cent said they felt lonely and one in five said they felt forgotten as a result of this. In addition, half of younger people aged 25-44 admit to worrying about being alone in later life.

The research shows just how crucial having someone to turn to is if peopel are to be happy and fulfilled in their lives. For those aged 65 and over, 81 per cent said being able to talk and laugh with someone is the most important thing of all, with 57 per cent saying physical contact has made them happy.

Nearly two thirds (62 per cent) of all UK adults said that having someone to eat with makes them happy and 67 per cent said that feeling that they are part of other people’s lives has the same effect.

The findings come as Age UK launches its ‘No one should have no one’ campaign in order to raise awareness about the millions of older people who are facing later life alone.

The charity is calling for donations to enable it to continue the vital work of providing companionship, support and advice.

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: "We all face ups and downs and our survey shows that sadly, millions of older people could be doing so almost entirely alone.

"This means they have no one close with whom to share the good times, or to go to for support when life is tough or for trusted advice to help solve a nagging problem.

"That’s why we’re asking the public to donate today so we can continue to give millions of older people the companionship, support and advice they need.

"We also hope these findings will spur everyone into being good neighbours to older people living nearby. Truly, no one should have no one in our society and together we can make sure that no one does."

Having someone to turn to is important to us all, and this was highlighted in the survey with many UK adults saying that everyday things, such as meals out (54 per cent), going on holiday (42 per cent) and being successful in a career (37 per cent) are currently less important than having someone to go to for help and support.

Older people and their families can call Age UK Advice for free on 0800 169 65 65 to find out how the Age UK network can help someone who may be feeling alone. Lines are open 365 days a year from 8am – 7pm. To support Age UK’s work donate online at http://www.ageuk.org.uk/no-one/donate/