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Loneliness Can Be A 'Hidden Killer'

A group of charities have warned that loneliness can be a ‘hidden killer’ of the elderly and can threaten health as much as obesity or smoking.

The charities state that the emotional cost may be known, but the physical damage has been neglected. Almost one in ten of elderly people suffer from ‘intense’ loneliness and campaigners have called for greater recognition by healthcare professionals of the problems that loneliness can cause.

The World Health Organisation has rated loneliness as a higher risk to health than smoking and as great a risk as obesity.

Researchers also say lack of social interaction increases the chances of suffering degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Loneliness is increasing, partly due to greater numbers living on their own as they live longer and their families are more geographically mobile.

Find out more about care and companionship of the elderly with Consultus.

Source: Press Association

News Date: March 2010

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