Two-thirds of people in Carmarthenshire have suffered with loneliness, according to an organisation which aims to tackle isolation in older age.

The Campaign to End Loneliness has also found over 80 per cent of over-65s in Carmarthenshire said they would find it hard to admit to feeling lonely because they do not want to be a burden to others.

“The health impacts of loneliness are devastating; it is as bad for you as smoking 15 cigarettes a day and worse for you than obesity,” Claire O’Shea, Campaign Manager for the Campaign to End Loneliness, said.

“Most worrying, however, is the popular view in Carmarthenshire that loneliness in older age is more likely than ever - that loneliness is inevitable.”

The findings come as politicians call for a national debate and for the Welsh Government to take action to tackle loneliness and isolation.

The Welsh Government is set to publish its Strategy on Loneliness and Isolation in 2019, but Plaid AM Dai Lloyd has stated that this date needs to be brought forward.

He also called for a national debate on the issue of loneliness and isolation, and the role that we can play in tackling it.

The Assembly’s Health Social Care and Sport Committee, which Dr. Lloyd chairs, recently completed an inquiry into the issue highlighting the scale of the problem in Wales, and the need for Government action.

Dr. Lloyd said: “We know that loneliness and isolation affects people of all ages, but particularly within our older population, and more so for people at this time of year.

“With an ageing population, we are finding that it is becoming an increasing problem.

“As individuals we need to be having discussions with friends, family and colleagues on how we can help tackle this issue.

“Some of the experiences that have been relayed are particularly upsetting – people in their 70s and 80s suffering desperate loneliness.

“We know that being lonely can increase the risk of high blood-pressure and cardiovascular disease, and there is a clear link between loneliness, depression and suicide.”

“In terms of tackling this issue, there is a key role for the Welsh Government, local authorities and the voluntary sector in improving the situation.

“The Assembly’s Health Committee has heard of a range of ideas which can help tackle the issue.

“The reality is that we have tens of thousands of people, at this very moment in time feeling terribly lonely and isolated.

“This is why it is important for that publication date to be brought forward.”

Campaign to End Loneliness launched services in Carmarthenshire earlier this year.

Claire O’Shea, Campaign Manager for the Campaign to End Loneliness, said: “We are thrilled to be launching the Campaign to End Loneliness in Wales. Carmarthenshire is leading the way in tackling loneliness amongst older people – and we are delighted to be part of this.

“The health impacts of loneliness are devastating; it is as bad for you as smoking 15 cigarettes a day and worse for you than obesity.

“It is the popular view in Carmarthenshire that loneliness in older age is more likely than ever - that it is inevitable.

“We’re here to challenge that. We will be assessing loneliness in Carmarthenshire, and working to find solutions with local communities.

“Together, we can end loneliness.”