Younger people 'worry more about loneliness'

One in 10 Britons often feel lonely, and those aged 18-34 are more likely to worry about being isolated than older adults, according to a Mental Health Foundation report. Four in 10 have been depressed because of loneliness, and 48% believe people are becoming lonelier. While 17% of over-55s worry about being alone, 36% of under-35s do. The elderly, jobless and those who are disabled are most likely to be affected. Persistent loneliness is bad for people's mental and physical health and can be linked to stress, heavy drinking and poor diet, says the charity. Peter Byrne, associate registrar of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said: "Our stereotype of the older person, home alone … is challenged by information [showing] the number of children calling a helpline who are lonely has increased by 60% in five years."