Argyll and Bute second for proportion of older people alone

Argyll and Bute had 13.4 per cent of residents over the age of 55 and living alone in the latest statistics from the 2022 census - the second highest rate in the country.

But campaigners and organisations working to tackle loneliness and social isolation say it is not just a problem for older residents where it could contribute to physical and mental health challenges.

Across Scotland, figures compiled by the National Records of Scotland (NRS) found a rise of 106,700 in single person households between 2011 and 2022.

Only the Western Isles, with a figure of 13.7 per cent, had a bigger share of people living alone than Argyll and Bute.

Inverclyde was third on 12.5 per cent.

Helensburgh and Lomond charity Grey Matters Active Ageing works to combat feelings of isolation and disconnection among people aged over 60 in the local area through a regular programme of activities, groups and day trips, and has won awards for its work in the past.

But the charity says more funding is needed to set up, and sustain, similar efforts elsewhere in Scotland.

A Grey Matters spokesperson told the Advertiser: "Loneliness and isolation has a wide range of negative effects on both physical and mental health.

"For example, feelings of loneliness are associated with a higher risk of heart disease, mental health issues and premature death.

"Feeling isolated and disconnected from others needs to be addressed before these negative effects take hold.

"That’s where Grey Matters Active Ageing can help. We are a preventative measure, and we connect older people to each other and to their community.

"From our Active Ageing Centre we hold a range of groups and activities and offer outings and experiences that allow people to meet others and to make new friends.

"The census highlights the need for funding to support charities and organisations who are working hard to combat loneliness and isolation."

READ MORE: Grey Matters: Eight years of looking out for Helensburgh's over-60s

Another Helensburgh charity, Visiting Friends, says poorer health and mobility can be more prevalent among older residents who tend to live alone.

But the organisation, which pairs up people living alone in the local area with volunteer friends, often establishing long-lasting relationships as a result, says there are more of certain risk factors with ageing as well.

Manager Jayne Burnett told the Advertiser there are different loneliness risk factors depending on age.

For example, around age 55, there might be more likelihood of caring responsibilities, unemployment or divorce.

And among those aged over 70, there could be bereavement, illness, mobility issues or other aspects.

Refugees and minority groups are also more likely to experience loneliness due to stigma or exclusion over language barriers - on top of those posed by their age and if they live alone.

Jayne said: "Living alone doesn't necessarily mean that we feel lonely or that we are socially isolated.

"It's important to remember that we all experience loneliness from time to time, no matter what age we are, so we shouldn't feel embarrassed about talking about it, and about taking steps to connect more with others in ways that make us feel happy.

"However, it is important to remember that those living alone may indeed experience chronic loneliness.

"There are situations commonly associated with living alone that make us more at risk, such as bereavement, having no friends or family, being in a minority, a refugee, unable to socialise due to mobility issues, having problems accessing carers, or indeed being a carer and also not having enough money to travel or take part in activities.

"Add in the fact of the rural aspects of living in Argyll and Bute, and we could potentially experience more than our share of loneliness."

Argyll and Bute had 13.4 per cent of residents over the age of 55 and living alone in the latest statistics from the 2022 census (Image: Archives)

She added that statistics show the loneliest age group is now the 16-24 years old category.

"I would encourage people to remember that feeling lonely is a normal symptom of needing more connection," Jayne added, "and they should reach out, especially if they are feeling lonely a lot or most of the time."

"If they can go online then they could have a look at the fantastic friendly website of the Marmalade Trust [www.marmaladetrust.org], which has a three-step approach to dealing with loneliness, or talk to their health care professional about local organisations that might be able to help."

NRS said the increase in people living alone was driven by the rise in the overall number of older people from 2011.

Some 40,600 more people aged 55-64 were living alone than in 2011, with rises also seen in the 65-74 and 75 and over age groups.

The report found there were 2,509,300 homes in Scotland on census day with at least one usual resident, up 136,500 (5.8 per cent) from the 2011 census.

Other results showed a gradual shift from marriage or civil partnerships towards cohabiting.

There were 1,251,600 households containing couples in Scotland in 2022 – up 4.5 per cent since 2011 and 8.1 per cent since 2001.

The increase was driven by a rise in those with cohabiting couples, up 25.2 per cent since 2011 and 80.8 per cent since 2001.

The percentage of homes with couples where they were married, or in a civil partnership, dropped from 86 per cent in 2001 to 76.6 per cent in 2022.

This reflects a gradual fall in the number of marriages in Scotland over the last 50 years.

The report also focused on migration to Scotland, showing almost half of people born overseas had been living in the UK for 10 or more years (49.8 per cent), while about a third of people born overseas arrived in the UK aged between 20 and 29 (35.3 per cent).

This is likely due to people moving to Scotland to study or work.

Just over half a million (554,900) people living in Scotland were born outside of the UK.

The most common country of birth of people born outside the UK was Poland (75,400 people), followed by India (37,700) and Pakistan (28,900).

NRS census statistic director Jon Wroth-Smith said: “This data provides a great insight into the make-up of households across Scotland and how our communities are changing over time.

“The richness of census information also allows us to look at the characteristics of people who have migrated to Scotland.

“This information allows governments, businesses and charities to plan services for the years ahead.”