Loneliness: a silent epidemic

Older people often articulate that they are both lonely and isolated. These concepts and feelings are relevant to the role of the community nurse whose case load is often made up of a high proportion of older people.

Loneliness and isolation are becoming issues for both individuals and organisations as the UK population ages. With loneliness known to contribute to a reduction in health and well-being and a reliance on health services, community nurses could help to improve the quality of life for this group of patients.

Just raising the subject of loneliness with a client could be the start to improving wellbeing. By having a greater understanding and heightened awareness of loneliness among older people, community nurses may help to alleviate this common problem.