Loneliness study finds older men more likely to feel socially isolated than women

Older men feel socially excluded, overlooked, cut off and left out, a study into loneliness and isolation has found.

The two-year study led by the University of Bristol featured interviews with 111 men aged between 65 and 95 living in the west and south west of England.

It followed a report from Age UK, which showed that the number of over-50s suffering from loneliness is set to reach two million by 2025/6.

Older men who live alone are more likely to be socially isolated than their female counterparts, having less regular contact with family and friends.

The risk of loneliness and isolation appears to rise with age and for those with long-term health problems or disability.

Researchers found that such feelings were triggered by a variety of life events, including the loss of a partner, retirement or relocation.

They are calling for changes to adult social care services, with a greater priority given to running groups rather than focusing primarily on care and support for individuals.

There should also be more inclusive, tailored opportunities for older men in marginalised groups, the researchers say.

Dr Paul Willis, from the University of Bristol’s School for Policy Studies, led the research.

“For a growing number of people, particularly those in later life, loneliness can define their lives and have a significant impact on their wellbeing,” Dr Willis said.

“Because loneliness occurs when people’s ability to engage with others is inhibited, helping people cope with and overcome these feelings is vital.

“Our research has shown the importance of groups and networks in older men’s lives, especially those run by voluntary and third sector organisations.

“Support for such groups needs to be given greater priority by local authorities, both in terms of support from social workers and long-term funding.”

Those who took part in the study generally were reluctant to speak to others and seek help.

This was often due to a perception that people would not be interested, or the potential stigma attached to being lonely.

Men with adult children avoided speaking to them as they did not want to worry them, or because it did not conform to their role as the father-type figurehead.

The research found that men valued mixed-age groups which mirror social interactions in everyday life, as opposed to groups specifically targeting older people.

Men also valued groups that facilitated emotional and social ties with other men.

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: “This study helps further our understanding about how older men experience loneliness and how best to help.

“Loneliness is a problem among many older people, especially for those who are in poor health or have a disability, who are carers for loved ones, who have been bereaved, have financial difficulties or who don’t have family and friends nearby.

“This study highlights specific issues and challenges for men, who can find it difficult to talk about feeling lonely.

“As more older men live longer, we need to appreciate that the numbers who are chronically lonely are likely to increase too – unless we act, which we can and we must do.

“The study also gives service providers, like Age UK, useful tips on how to help older men overcome loneliness, and things to consider when engaging with those from seldom-heard groups.”

The project focused on older men from groups including those who were single or living alone in rural and urban areas, men who were carers for loved ones, men with hearing loss and gay men who were single or living alone.

Men with hearing loss were often isolated from family and friends in social gatherings because of the challenges in keeping up with conversations around them in noisy environments.

For gay men, feelings of loneliness and isolation were entangled with earlier life experiences of being reluctant to come out for fear of social censure and hostility, the study found.

Male carers were isolated from friends, though the companionship of the person they cared for routinely inhibited feelings of loneliness.

Based on the research, Age UK has produced good practice guidance for service providers, tips for older men and information for families and friends.

The project was funded by the NIHR School for Social Care Research.

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