An international research conference is being held today which highlights that loneliness should be considered a major health issue.

The conference, titled What Do We Know About Loneliness? will investigate the research that brings to light huge numbers of older people affected by loneliness in the UK:

•8 to 10% who are intensely lonely

•20% of the older population who are mildly lonely

It will also be the first UK event to bring together worldwide experts who have found that loneliness can lead to cardiovascular disease, hypertension, cognitive decline and poor mental health. At this conference, held by the Campaign to End Loneliness in collaboration with Age UK Oxfordshire, Paul Burstow MP, Minister for Care Services, will launch a new digital toolkit for health and wellbeing boards as part of the solution to loneliness in older age.

Read the press release 

Press Coverage 

BBC News: Loneliness is ‘major health issue’ 

Daily Mail: OAP loneliness’is a health issue and should be treated with same urgency as obesity’

Huffington Post UK: OAP Loneliness Is Growing Health Problem