A quarter of over-65s have just the TV or radio as their only source of company, shocking survey reveals

Television or radio is the sole source of company for a quarter of over-65s, a survey has revealed.

Research by Age UK found that 1.6 million people over the age of 65 don’t have someone to discuss their feelings with, while another 1.5 million don’t leave home for social events.

The figures mean nearly a quarter (24 per cent) of over 65s are more reliant on the TV and radio than human contact.

It comes as Age UK announced a £2million fund-raising drive with retailer Dunelm in a bid to combat loneliness and provide increased practical support by phone and in communities.

They will support through the free national Advice Line, Telephone Friendship Service and The Silver Line Helpline, as well as Age UK’s day centres, benefits advice and social activity classes and groups.

The figures were based on telephone research which saw 2632 people over 65 asked about statements.

Some 24.11 per cent of people ‘slightly agreed’ or ‘strongly agreed’ with the statement ‘The TV/radio is my main source of company’.

Paul Farmer, chief executive of Age UK said: ‘”Home” means so much more than bricks and mortar, it’s a sense of belonging, of feeling safe, welcome and appreciated. 

‘Sadly, more and more older people are telling us that this simply isn’t their reality.

‘Together with Dunelm, we are on a mission to redefine the concept of home for those who are struggling to find warmth, companionship and practical help to do more than simply survive. 

‘Whether that’s through advice and friendship delivered over the phone, or via frontline support, this partnership will prove pivotal in expanding our support network to more older service users up and down the country.’

The announcement follows a report commissioned by Age UK which concluded there was a ‘pervasive sense of pessimism and inevitability that normalises poor mental health’ among older people.

The report’s authors said there was no national strategy or blueprint to help public services prevent mental ill health in later life, or to meet the needs of people with mental health problems in later life ‘effectively and holistically’.