Since the Covid-19 pandemic, as we mark 5 years anniversary, loneliness has risen, with social isolation becoming more widespread. New figures show that, even five years after the first lockdown, many still struggle with poor health and persistent loneliness.
Lockdowns cut vital connections, leaving older adults isolated. However, loneliness is no longer just an issue for the elderly—it has also increased among young adults, many of whom now engage more online than in person, deepening their sense of detachment from real-life social interactions.
A survey by the Government’s Office for National Statistics (ONS) found that one in four British adults (25%) experience loneliness either always, often, or some of the time. Of these, 7% feel lonely frequently, while 18% report feeling lonely occasionally. Additionally, another 24% of Brits say they experience loneliness from time to time.
Loneliness is not just an emotional state; it has serious mental health consequences. It can trigger anxiety and depression and exacerbate pre-existing conditions, making recovery even more difficult. The long-term effects of isolation are now surfacing, with many individuals experiencing lingering psychological distress.
Additionally, loneliness often intersects with financial grooming, where vulnerable individuals—especially the elderly—become targets of manipulation and exploitation.
Isolated people are more susceptible to financial abuse, as they may seek companionship or support in ways that leave them vulnerable to coercion.
Addressing loneliness requires a collective effort-from families, communities, and policymakers-to rebuild social connections and provide support systems for those at risk.
Encouraging open conversations about mental health, fostering intergenerational relationships, and investing in community initiatives can help combat isolation.
Community initiatives needed to combat youth loneliness
Shaila Pervez, Manager at Roshni Birmingham, highlighted the growing issue of loneliness in the community, saying, “We work with many individuals, both young and old, who struggle with isolation. Over the years, family structures have changed. Previously, large families meant a strong sense of community—men worked while women stayed home, raising children and engaging in part-time jobs. Now, with both men and women working, the extended family dynamic is fading. Elderly individuals are often left alone during the day, with fewer social interactions.”
Shaila discussed how loneliness affects young people differently from older generations, highlighting the role of technology. “Young people may have hundreds of online friends, but their real-life interactions are limited,” she said. “They spend more time on laptops and phones, watching podcasts and engaging in functional conversations rather than socialising in person. This disconnect has contributed to rising mental health issues among youth.”
She also noted how loneliness in childhood can have long-term consequences. “When you're used to being alone, adapting to relationships and social settings later in life can be challenging. It affects not just mental health but also physical well-being,” she explained. “Studies show that prolonged loneliness can lead to a decline in both physical and mental health over time.”
Shaila highlighted the need for greater investment in community initiatives to combat loneliness among young people. “The government needs to allocate funding for youth centres, community groups, and activity-based programs like walking clubs and skill-building classes,” she said. “While online interactions have their place, they can’t fully replace in-person experiences-the friendships, laughter, and shared moments that help build real connections.”
Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director of Age UK, highlighted the deep impact of loneliness on older people, especially after bereavement, ill health, or mobility issues. “Losing close family and friends over time makes it harder to stay connected, and no relationship can truly replace those we’ve lost,” she said.
She noted that while Asian elders are less likely to live alone, they are more likely to experience loneliness, with one in nine reporting frequent loneliness. “Feeling lonely is nothing to be ashamed of. We must break the stigma so people feel confident seeking support,” she emphasised.
Loneliness deepens mental health struggles
UKCP-accredited trauma specialist psychotherapist and doctoral researcher Tina Chummun said, “Mental health stigma in South Asian families often makes it difficult for individuals to seek help when they feel lonely. My doctoral research in health and social care at the Open University focuses on improving access to mental health services for South Asian communities. Studies repeatedly highlight a deep mistrust of therapists within the NHS.”
“The challenge,” she explained, “The South Asian therapists like me work in private practice, therapy outside the NHS is often perceived as costly and carries a stigma. Many fear that a white therapist won’t understand their culture, while others worry that a South Asian therapist might disclose their struggles within the community. This lack of trust in mental health professionals only exacerbates feelings of isolation. Additionally, the term ‘South Asian’ encompasses diverse cultural backgrounds, and being South Asian in the UK does not mean we all share the same experiences or challenges.”
She added, “This has a profound psychological, emotional, and physical impact. In South Asian cultures, family extends beyond parents and siblings to include grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, all providing a close-knit support system. In places like Mauritius, where my family is from, households are often built around courtyards, allowing extended families to share meals and daily life. But in the UK, family life is more nuclear, typically consisting of just parents and children, which can intensify feelings of isolation, particularly during times of crisis.”
Speaking about loneliness during the Covid-19 pandemic, Tina said, “The impact of isolation was particularly severe in South Asian communities, where extended family plays a crucial role in daily life. Lockdowns severed these vital social connections, leaving both young and elderly individuals struggling. There’s a saying, ‘It takes a village to raise a child,’ meaning children need diverse social interactions to develop fully. But during the pandemic, these relationships were lost. For immigrants, the isolation was even more overwhelming. Many already feel disoriented adjusting to a new country, and lockdowns stripped them of the small interactions-like asking a neighbour or someone at the grocery store for advice-that provided a sense of support. For those in abusive relationships, such as women who had moved to the UK with their husbands, being trapped at home with an abuser intensified their trauma and loneliness.”
She added, “Loss has been a major issue, especially bereavement due to Covid. Many South Asian individuals continue to struggle with depression, anxiety, and uncertainty. Even now, workplace challenges—such as job losses or difficult managers—are triggering flashbacks of the pandemic, when people were constantly told how to behave. This lingering stress is having long-term effects on mental health.”
Discussing how the Covid-19 pandemic intensified feelings of loneliness and depression among new mothers, Professor Hora Soltani MBE, Professor of Maternal and Infant Health at Sheffield Hallam University, said, “Recent cross-national research from the pandemic found that 53.5% of perinatal women experienced high levels of loneliness. Qualitative evidence suggests that new mothers link their loneliness to a lack of social contact, changes in their sense of identity, limited empathy and support from family and peers, and self-comparisons with perceived mothering norms. Existing research also highlights the significant negative impact of Covid-19 on postnatal mental health. The prevalence of postnatal depression among women who gave birth during the pandemic remains alarmingly high, even six months postpartum. The findings suggest that social isolation, lockdowns, and loneliness have played a major role in worsening maternal mental health.”
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Fear and stigma silence South Asian elders
Elderly abuse in South Asian communities is a growing but often unspoken issue, rooted in cultural expectations, financial dependency, and shifting family dynamics. Many elders face emotional, financial, and even physical mistreatment, sometimes at the hands of their own family members.
Loneliness plays a significant role, both as a cause and consequence of abuse—isolated elders may become more vulnerable to manipulation, while those experiencing neglect or mistreatment often withdraw further, deepening their sense of loneliness.
Veronica Gray, DCEO of Hourglass & Director of Policy, highlighted the overlooked issue of elder abuse in the UK, affecting over 2.7 million people annually and costing more than £16 billion.
She emphasised that older victims, particularly from South Asian communities, face additional barriers to seeking help due to cultural taboos, patriarchal norms, and language barriers. “Abuse in South Asian communities is often misunderstood, with some forms—such as disrespect or financial control—not always aligning with Western definitions,” she said.
“Shame, honour, and stigma play a major role in silencing victims, while mistrust in authorities, racism, and immigration fears further discourage reporting.” She also noted that intergenerational violence is often normalised, with cycles of abuse affecting older South Asians in ways that remain under-researched and poorly addressed.
Veronica also highlighted additional barriers faced by South Asian and other ethnic minority elders in seeking support. “Language barriers, fear of being misunderstood by services, and a lack of interpreters often prevent victims from reaching out,” she said. “Racism, past experiences of exclusion, and mistrust in authorities like the NHS or police further discourage reporting. For those with insecure immigration status, fear of being reported to enforcement agencies adds another layer of hesitation. While self-segregation can provide a sense of safety, it can also isolate older South Asians from accessing crucial support outside their communities.”
Shaila Pervez highlighted the growing issue of financial grooming among elderly individuals, often driven by emotional manipulation due to loneliness. “We’re seeing more cases where elderly parents feel pressured by their children to hand over assets. Some children claim entitlement because they provide care, while others, living farther away, argue they’ve contributed in other ways. This is leading to family disputes and divisions,” she said.
She also pointed out the impact of changing family dynamics. “In the past, children married within the community, bringing like-minded people into the home. Now, with interfaith and intercultural marriages, some elderly parents feel alienated, especially when new family members challenge traditional values. In some cases, parents are pressured to part with money, jewellery, or assets, with the justification that they no longer need them.”
Shaila stressed the need for proactive planning. “Elderly individuals should discuss their wishes with family while they are still mentally sound, rather than leaving decisions until it’s too late. More awareness around early will-writing is needed to prevent disputes and ensure their intentions are respected.”
