Young or old, loneliness does not discriminate

People who do not have any ties to their community feel more lonely than those who are engaged with their community. A new report shows that Generation Facebook -- people aged between 16 and 24 -- exhibit higher rates of loneliness as they have fewer ties to their neighbourhood.

The numbers released by the Office for National Statistics also show that renters report higher rates of isolation than those who own their own home  and have a mortgage.

Rachel Reeves, a Labour MP and co-chair of the Jo Cox Commission on  Loneliness, told Mail Online: "Jo Cox was right when she said: young or old, loneliness does not discriminate.  We know lack of roots in a community as well as financial insecurity can lead to loneliness, even if you are busy and on the surface doing well. It is saddening, but not surprising, to see these figures."

She added: "In our work the Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness highlighted community led projects which can help people find a sense of belonging and build trust in communities.  Supporting these projects should be at the forefront of the Government's strategy to tackle loneliness, and as the figures show we have to remember that loneliness cannot be seen in isolation from wider public policy."

Women reported higher rates of loneliness than men and those who are single or widowed also reported higher rates of isolation, the report shows.

These findings come just months after Theresa May appointed the UK's first ever minister for loneliness, Tracey Crouch.

Last year, a report said loneliness was as harmful to a person's health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. In the UK alone, a staggering 9 million people suffer from loneliness. Loneliness has also been found to increase the chance of mortality by 26 percent, and increasing the risk of high blood pressure and obesity.