---
title: 7 Reasons Why Over 75s Aren’t as Lonely as You Think
description: We often hear of the connection between loneliness and the elderly; however, a recent BBC report revealed that young people actually feel the loneliest.
---

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# [7 Reasons Why Over 75s Aren’t as Lonely as You Think](https://blog.stannah.com/7-reasons-why-over-75s-arent-as-lonely-as-you-think)

 Written by [Stannah](https://blog.stannah.com/author/stannah) | 8 Nov 2018

We often hear of the connection between loneliness and the elderly; however, a recent BBC report revealed that [young people actually feel the loneliest](http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/2yzhfv4DvqVp5nZyxBD8G23/who-feels-lonely-the-results-of-the-world-s-largest-loneliness-study). So, age doesn’t necessarily equate to isolation. And it’s perfectly natural to enjoy your own company too! Here are seven reasons why the [two million people aged over 75 living alone](https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/loneliness/) in the UK are not necessarily lonely:

## 1. More time for relationships

Older age provides the opportunity for more time to spend with those we love. Therefore, it is important to nurture – or reignite – relationships with friends and family. Not only that, but there are still plenty of chances to find love and companionship in older age with a third of over 70s reporting [‘frequent sexual activity’.](https://www.nicswell.co.uk/health-news/a-third-of-over-70s-report-frequent-sexual-activity)

## 2. Loneliness services

[Age UK](https://www.ageuk.org.uk/) helps to combat loneliness in later life through a [befriending service](https://www.ageuk.org.uk/services/befriending-services/), providing either weekly face-to-face or phone interaction. This offers a tool for the elderly, and especially those who may be house-bound or without companions, more regular social interaction. The internet is also a way of keeping loneliness at bay, with [Stannah](https://www.stannah.com/) research revealing that 32% of the elderly spend more than half an hour on social media each day, either to entertain themselves or to keep in contact with people.

## 3. Social activities

Loneliness can be as harmful for our health as smoking [15 cigarettes a day](https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/loneliness/), so it must be taken just as seriously. To help prevent this, there are plenty of resources across the country which the older generation have access to, such as [friendship centres](https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/loneliness/how-to-overcome-loneliness/) run by [Age UK](https://www.ageuk.org.uk/), and walking football, which boasts social and physical health benefits.

## 4. Pursue new hobbies

Retirement offers an exciting opportunity to pursue a new hobby or learn a new skill, from embroidery to dancing or bowling! It’s a privilege to have more time than ever to take in part in activities you love, or have always wanted to try, while meeting like-minded people in the process. Discovering a new talent can also be a real confidence booster. For example, why not be like [Susan Sarandon](https://www.businessinsider.com/hobbies-of-successful-people-2015-11?IR=T#google-cofounder-sergey-brin-enjoys-high-flying-trapeze-3) and join a ping pong club?

## 5. Pets as companions

It is not possible for everyone, but often as we get older, we have more time to look after pets – with owning a pet being a proven way of combatting loneliness and promoting happiness. Having a pet later on in life provides plenty of company and love to those living alone, with [dogs](https://metro.co.uk/2018/05/21/new-initiative-pairing-elderly-people-dogs-combat-loneliness-7564184/) in particular helping to combat feelings of loneliness.

## 6. Improved sense of purpose

Working life doesn’t always offer the flexibility to give back to the community. In retirement however, volunteering can prove a rewarding activity and chance to help those needing support – whether it’s cooking to feed the homeless, or knitting clothes for children abroad.

## 7.Attending places of worship

Seniors often have [more of an affiliation with a place of worship](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jan/12/church-of-england-attendance-falls-below-million-first-time). Attending religious services can be uplifting and make seasonal celebrations all the more magical. Religious centres offer a real sense of community spirit, so make for a worthwhile social activity too.

**Loneliness can strike anyone, at any age. But knowing where to turn to when we feel alone is important. Don’t forget to give back, too – reaching out to people both close to you, and those you have lost touch with, may brighten their day as well as yours.**

[View full post](https://blog.stannah.com/7-reasons-why-over-75s-arent-as-lonely-as-you-think)

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