Many grandparents lonely, study

31 January 2013 09:27

Around a third of over 65s see their grandchildren only once a month at the most, says Age UK

Around a third of over 65s see their grandchildren only once a month at the most, says Age UK

A study of loneliness among the elderly has found almost a third (32%) of over-65s see their grandchildren just once per month or less. It also found the same percentage only see their own children once a fortnight at the most.

Age UK's survey covered 1,242 people, and found just over a fifth (21%) only saw close friends once every fortnight, with one in five revealing loneliness was the most difficult issue to speak about.

Age UK's Michelle Mitchell said loneliness was already known to affect more than a third of over-65s and modern life meant more people lived further from loved ones, so seeing older relatives "can be increasingly challenging".

Careers and relationships see many families living in different countries, but tailored travel insurance over 65 policies provide peace of mind for those precious overseas visits.

Mitchell added: "By bringing older and younger people together in their local communities through a new digital service we hope to go some way in helping to reduce isolation and loneliness across the generations."

Age UK and charity YouthNet have joined forces to raise money for a new service that will see young volunteers help isolated people to use the internet.

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