Millions of pensioners feel loneliest and most isolated in the summer months – as there are more hours in the day to fill, and they get fewer visits from loved ones.
A poll of 1,400 retired people found one in seven (14%) will go a week during the summer without having a face-to-face conversation with someone close to them.
Over a quarter (27%) say they feel disconnected as the rising temperatures cause their loved ones' social schedules to ramp up – leaving them less time to check in.
And nearly half (43%) are also struggling in the heat, as the country has experienced record temperatures this summer – which has left them feeling even more isolated from family and friends.
But despite the isolation, six in ten are worried about feeling like a burden – and would only want their relatives to visit if they wanted to.
It also emerged over half (57%) think people talk more about loneliness in older people during winter than the summer months – but nearly two-thirds (62%) believe isolation during the warmest time of year is just as big an issue.
The research was commissioned by Specsavers Home Visits, to support its #GenerationWOW campaign, which aims to give older people a platform to pass on their skills and life experience to others.
Katie James, a director and optometrist for the service, which offers free at-home eye tests for those who are eligible, said: “During the summer months when people typically have more plans, it’s easy to forget older people may be missing out on valuable interaction with loved ones as a result.
“The research has shown there is a hidden issue around loneliness in older people during this period.
“And with the days being longer, no doubt it can often feel quite a lonely time for many.”
The study also found 62% of those polled believe people popping around is a lifeline when they are feeling secluded in the summer.
And nearly half (47%) have tried joining social clubs – either locally or online – to curb their solitude.
But 22% are homebound for long periods in the summer as they struggle to fill the days, even if they would normally be able to leave the house alone.
And, despite the average respondent living with two people, 58% said even when surrounded by others, they can sometimes still feel alone – and 40% sometimes go multiple days during the summer without a chat in person.
But while 41% would like to make more friends, 16% find this difficult, according to the OnePoll data.
Boredom can set in for 26% when they go longer than usual without having a meaningful conversation – while one in five (19%) experience feelings of sadness.
Katie James, from Specsavers Home Visits, which is also launching an at-home hearing service in areas of the UK, added: “Even a small conversation that might appear insignificant could have a huge impact on an older person’s day.
“Hopefully this research goes some way to highlighting a hidden problem, and readers will use this as a reminder to pick up the phone or visit an older relative who might be hiding their feelings of loneliness.
“Our teams look to give those who are housebound some much needed face-to-face interaction, while providing an important service which helps them maintain their quality of life.”
