Loneliness ‘lethal in winter’

Cold weather combined with loneliness could be lethal in the coming months, NHS England’s chief nursing officer has warned.

Jane Cummings said cases of strokes and heart attacks tend to rise after temperatures drop.

She said freezing temperatures, and the growing problem of loneliness, were dangerous together over winter. ‘Simple acts of companionship’ could make all the difference, she added.

Cummings suggested visiting elderly friends, family and neighbours more regularly, doing the shopping for them or picking up prescription medicines.

The issue is being highlighted as part of the NHS Stay Well this Winter campaign.

It comes following evidence of the impact of loneliness.

Research shows being lonely and isolated is linked to increasing the risk of early death by a third.

Cummings said: “Loneliness has a devastating and life-threatening impact on people of all ages. For vulnerable groups, social isolation combined with the health dangers of colder weather is a lethal combination.

“We can all take steps to alleviate loneliness by looking out for family, friends and neighbours.”

Labour MP Rachel Reeves, co-chair of the Jo Cox Loneliness Commission, said: “Loneliness is no longer just a personal misfortune but has grown into a social epidemic.

"If we can tackle it effectively we can make Britain not just a happier but also a healthier country in which to live.”