The age of loneliness.

This programme explores the state of loneliness, visiting people across the country who admit to feeling – or having felt – lonely. It posits that a significant cause of loneliness in twenty-first century Britain is the extended average life expectancy, and alleges that loneliness now affects younger generations as much as older generations. Sound clips of contemporary radio news bulletins addressing the topic of loneliness are interspersed throughout the programme. A young woman is introduced who volunteers for the charity Connect With the Elderly, which organises monthly tea parties for lonely over-70-year-olds. A centenarian reflects on her life with her late husband, and describes how loneliness affects her today. A ninety-year-old man describes his work volunteering for a local radio station, which has helped him feel less lonely after the death of his wife, who had Alzheimer’s Disease. An elderly woman describes her relationship with her pet dogs, who she claims help her feel less lonely. A mother with a new-born baby discusses her feelings of loneliness, following her decision to become a full-time homemaker and the emigration of her parents to Europe. She describes a social media Buggy Walk group she runs for parents in similar situations. A man discusses how loneliness affected him after getting a divorce, and how he used writing as therapy during this time. A young woman describes not being in a relationship as the direct cause for her loneliness. A man who recently lost his wife describes his search for a new romantic partner. The author Sara Maitland explains how and why she does not experience feelings of loneliness, despite living alone in a remote part of the country as a modern hermit. A woman who suffered Post Natal Depression and domestic abuse during her second marriage explains her preference for living alone in later life. Her 42-year-old son discusses how loneliness for him is inextricably linked to depression. A man recounts his experiences of loneliness following a suicide attempt, and how practising mindfulness and meditation helped him to recover. The programme ends with a reflection of the death of one of the programme’s participants.