Loneliness and Isolation in Older People. Nearly half of older people say that television is their main form of company. Factors such as living alone, being poor, having a small social network and infrequent participation in social activities results in feelings of loneliness and social isolation, which in turn can pose health risks for older people in addition to a downward spiral of isolation. Independent Age supports a section of older people who are especially at risk of isolation.

Silence Isn’t Golden will break new ground by creating ‘friendship groups’, supported by volunteers but led by participants themselves, in which 2,000 older people will be able to pursue their own interests and share their experiences. Independent Age pilot projects and broader research has found that engaging through common interests can more effective than traditional befriending in breaking the cycle of isolation.