MAKING AN ECONOMIC CASE FOR TACKLING LONELINESS IN LATER LIFE

Abstract

Little research has been conducted on the economic case for tackling loneliness. We have developed an economic model documenting the long term costs and benefits of a program to tackle loneliness in older people in rural England. The program provides tailored, one to one volunteer-delivered time-limited support over six months to reconnect participants with interests and activities in their local community. The economic model synthesises published literature on potential avoidable health related costs of loneliness, with insights from interviews with participants and volunteers on rates of uptake and continued engagement with the program, as well as changes in levels of loneliness measured using the UCLA Loneliness Scale. Baseline findings indicate that there is likely to be a positive return on investment, but that this is highly dependent on the quality of volunteer – participant relationship and on the sustainability of new social connections beyond the duration of the program.