Loneliness: the public health challenge of our time

A policy briefing by the Mental Health Foundation and Age Scotland

Loneliness is one of the leading public health challenges of our time. Research suggests more than 100,000 older people in Scotland are “chronically lonely” and it’s as damaging to health as smoking 15 cigarettes per day.

If we are serious about ensuring older people enjoy a good quality of life then the prevalence of loneliness must be fully recognised and addressed.