'Being proactive' helps tackle loneliness

Reports show people feel more isolated during winter months

Being pro-active and putting yourself out there is the key to combating loneliness, according to one Manx resident. 

Many who live alone can begin to feel socially isolated, especially as the clocks go back this weekend and the days get shorter.

In the UK, there are 1.2 million older people struggling to feel connected according to research from charity 'Campaign to End Loneliness'.

Known to be a catalyst for conditions like depression and anxiety, medical professionals have claimed loneliness is worse for you than obesity.

Ninety-year-old Margerie MacMullen lives alone in sheltered housing on the Island.

She says it's important to be proactive:

One local charity is trying to help hundreds of people on the Island feel less isolated.

Live at Home has 500 members over the age of 50, many of whom suffer from some form of loneliness.

The charity puts on coffee mornings, organises cinema groups and has even created an afternoon nightclub, all to improve quality of life and eradicate isolation.

Jacky Bridson from the charity says more people report feeling lonely during the winter months:

The Manx Retirement Association was set up to help tackle this issue.

Director Howard Parkin says it seems to be an issue that affects women more than men: