Loneliness and Social Isolation Among Older People in North Yorkshire:Executive summary

There has been a growing interest in the topic of loneliness and social isolation over a number of years and a recognition that they have an impact on the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities. Local strategic organisations have an important role to play in tackling the problem of loneliness and social isolation in older people. Stage 1 of the report reviews current literature and examines the concepts of loneliness and social isolation, how they are understood, their impact on individuals and communities and why they should be important concerns of local strategic organisations such as health and wellbeing boards. The type and range of interventions aimed at alleviating loneliness and social isolation are examined and evidence about their effectiveness reviewed. Findings are related to the national and local demographic context. Stage 2 of the research aimed to identify the range of statutory and third sector organisations in North Yorkshire that could or should be able to identify older people at risk of loneliness and/or social isolation. Through these organisations, the sorts of activities that exist across North Yorkshire and some of their characteristics were described.