Age Cymru welcomes Welsh Government consultation on loneliness

Welcoming the Welsh Government's launch of a national conversation on what can be done to combat loneliness and isolation, Age Cymru's chief executive Victoria Lloyd said:

"We are encouraged that the government is taking a broad view of the issues surrounding loneliness and isolation.

"Our own research found that 75,000 older people in Wales have reported 'always or often' feeling lonely which can have a detrimental effect on people's physical and mental health. Loneliness can also increase the pressures on our already overwhelmed health and social services.

"Poor transport infrastructure, poorly designed townscapes, a lack of local amenities and facilities as well as digital exclusion can all contribute to an older person's sense of isolation.

"We need to remove such barriers that prevent older people from engaging fully with their local communities and provide support for those who are experiencing loneliness as a result of issues such as bereavement and retirement."

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