Loneliness is an increasing problem. It needs to be everyone’s problem if we are to tackle it, says Lisa McNally

Unlike smoking, however, rates of loneliness aren’t falling. Data published this month shows the number of people in the UK who feel lonely ‘often or always’ has increased significantly over the last few years (Active Lives Survey, 2023).

This suggests programmes aimed at addressing loneliness are a priority. We also know they can be effective. For example, one study demonstrated that participation in a community art group by older adults not only reduced loneliness at a one-year follow up, but also led to fewer doctor visits, less medication use, fewer instances of falls, and fewer other health problems than in a comparison group.