Loneliness is an important issue as it affects the physical and mental health of older people. The UK Campaign to End Loneliness, launched in 2011, states that while people are aware of the emotional problems of loneliness, few recognise the physical effects it may have. Understanding loneliness in public policy terms is difficult as it is a subjective state. Yet it is also an important issue for older people given the potential effects on mental health and physical well-being. This edition of CARDI’s Focus on series concentrates on these issues and examines some potential policy approaches to tackling loneliness in the older population.

Read the article here: Focus On...Loneliness and Physical Health