A new inquiry will look at the impact of loneliness and isolation, particularly on older people in Wales and what can be done to tackle the issue.
The National Assembly’s Health, Social Care and Sport Committee will be examining the scale and causes of the problem across the country as well as what local authorities, communities, voluntary organisations and the Welsh Government are doing to address the problem.
It will also look at the extent to which initiatives to combat loneliness and isolation experienced by other groups may also help older people.
Research by Age Cymru suggests that 75,000 older people in Wales feel lonely, with almost half of those surveyed saying their television or a pet was their main companion.
The Committee will consider how public services affect the lives of people who feel lonely or are isolated, including housing, transport infrastructure and community facilities.
It will also look at the potential impact the internet can have, either in helping people to feel better or worse.
“One of the points we will explore in this inquiry is that loneliness and isolation are not the same thing,” said Dai Lloyd AM, Chair of the Health and Social Care Committee.
“Someone can feel isolated in a rural community, lonely in a crowded room or vice versa.
“It can also affect anyone; employed or retired, living in a town, city or the countryside.
“There is evidence that loneliness and isolation can have a significant impact on physical and mental health; preventing loneliness and isolation may therefore help to reduce demand for health and social services.
“What we will be looking at is what affect these issues are having on older people’s health and wellbeing and what can and is being done to support them.
“It’s a complicated subject which could cover a whole gamut of areas including social care, community services, transport and digital access.
“If you or someone you know is, or has been, affected by issues of loneliness or isolation, or you are involved in work to support them, then we would like to hear about your experiences and what ideas you think could help.”
Anyone wishing to contribute to the inquiry should visit the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee’s page on the National Assembly’s website, or follow the Committee on Twitter @SeneddHealth.
The closing date for the public consultation is 10 March 2017.