Men feel lonelier than women during old age

A new study has revealed that men are supposed to be more asocial than women in their old age, making them lonely. The study by the International Longevity Centre (ILC-UK) and the charity, Independent Age, said that older men often also had less contact with family and friends than women of a similar age and would often be reluctant to join clubs for older people, the BBC reported. (Read: Ten facts on ageing and the life course)

As loneliness and isolation may be linked with poor mental and physical health, the report said it is crucial to target services for older men more effectively. Research also suggested that more innovative clubs and social programs must be supported to keep men socially connected after retirement as well as to support certain later-life events, such as widowhood. (Read: Interesting facts about ageing)

The analysis of recent data from the English Longitudinal Study on Ageing predicted the number of older men living alone in England will increase by 65% by 2030. The Emerging Crisis for Older Men, gave a report that said older women will still be more likely to outlive their husbands but, by 2030, growing numbers of men will outlive their wives. (Read: Self-esteem The secret to healthy ageing)