This episode of the NIHR podcast asks how we can reduce the toll of loneliness in older adults. The pandemic threw a spotlight on loneliness and social distancing caused heartache for so many. But it made little difference to the day to day lives of some older people. They were already isolated and lonely.

The podcast is hosted by Helen Saul, Editor in Chief of the NIHR Evidence website who will be in conversation discussing why loneliness is such a serious problem, how it relates to other conditions, and what can be done to reduce the burden. 

You’ll hear from Andrew Steptoe, Professor of Psychology and Head of Behavioural Science and Health at University College London, Sarah Page, an occupational therapist who leads the BSc course at the University of Bedfordshire and Kalpa Kharicha, Head of Research, Policy and Practice at the Campaign to End Loneliness. 

The collection of research evidence that supports this podcast is available here: https://evidence.nihr.ac.uk/collection/how-can-we-reduce-the-toll-of-loneliness-in-older-adults/

For more information about NIHR Evidence, follow us on Twitter @NIHRevidence.

The transcript for this podcast can be found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Olq14bbDZ_G4eczgB1o5SSETiN8yL4KuhXWtcbLB6Sc/edit?usp=sharing