Half a million people over the age of 60 spend almost every day alone.

Feelings of isolation tend to be more common in older folk, with research showing half a million people over the age of 60 spend almost every day alone.

Other recent studies suggest these feelings aren't just unpleasant to deal with, but are also possibly harmful to our health. Loneliness has been associated with higher blood pressure, heart disease and even Alzheimer's.

But don't let that discourage you. These days, of course, everything is bad for your health. Soon doctors will say my 10-a-day hash brown intake is unhealthy!

What we can do is use this information as a prompt to engage in some self-reflection and compassion. If so many of us are feeling lonely, why aren't we reaching out to each other?

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