Loneliness and isolation can affect anyone at any stage in their lives.

The National Survey for Wales on Loneliness found that in the year 2016-17, 17% of people were lonely, and 54% of people experienced some feelings of loneliness.

We often associate loneliness with older people, but the survey found that younger people were in fact more likely to be lonely: 20% of 16-24 year olds were lonely, compared with 10% of those aged 75 or over.

People can feel lonely for all manner of reasons, although the survey found that poor general health, limiting long-term illness, low mental well-being and low subjective well-being were common reasons, and the impact of having a limiting long-term illness on loneliness was stronger for younger people. The survey also found that 37% of people who were in material deprivation were lonely.

It further found that people who felt safe after dark, who felt a strong sense of community and/or were satisfied with their area, were less lonely. 20% of people experienced loneliness related to the absence of close personal relationships, and 34% of people were lonely due to a lack of wider social contacts.

The Assembly's Health and Social Care Committee’s recent inquiry into loneliness and isolation found that feeling lonely and isolated are some of the most significant issues facing older people, and with Wales having a higher proportion of older people than any other part of the UK this is clearly an issue which requires urgent attention.  

The importance of addressing loneliness and isolation cannot be underestimated, particularly given the fact that there is evidence to suggest that it can have a significant impact on physical and mental health.

The cost of loneliness and isolation to our public services and productivity is £2.6 billion a year. There is a £427 million cost to our health service, not to mention the cost in real terms to the quality of life and longevity of each one of these individuals.

It has been found that those at greatest risk of loneliness and depression are also those least likely to seek or receive support. Whilst older people consult their GP almost twice as often as other age groups, only one in six older people with depression discuss their symptoms with a GP  and only 15% receive the specialist mental health care they need.

I welcome action being taken by the Welsh Government’s and charities to tackle loneliness and isolation, however, the problem is everyone’s business and we can all play a role in helping to combat loneliness in our neighbourhoods.

At this time of year, and particularly in light of the extreme cold spell we are experiencing, I would urge everyone to find some time in their day to call on those who live alone, whatever their age - you might be the only person they have spoken to in days or sadly even longer. Nobody deserves to feel lonely and isolated.