At some point in our lives, most of us will experience periods of loneliness, evidenced by a withdrawal from family, friends and the wider society. Active involvement and participation in different social settings are known to have health and wellbeing benefits yet, globally, there are growing concerns about the rate and consequences of loneliness, especially among the older generation. In recent years, demographic shifts suggest that the number of people experiencing loneliness are likely to increase in line with an ageing population and those who live alone, as both are at higher risk of social isolation.
