'Britain's men are facing an increasing risk of loneliness and social isolation. By 2030 the number of older men living alone is predicted to rise by two thirds. More than 1.2 million men over the age of 50 in England now say that they suffer from social isolation. Men are more likely than women to become isolated, as they have significantly less contact with children, family and friends. Almost a quarter of older men have contact with their children less than once a month, compared with 15% of older women. Men rely more heavily on their partner to remain socially connected. When their partner leaves or dies, often a man's social life shrinks. Moreover, the number of older men living alone is rising. Currently we are seeing a generation of men entering old age who are more likely to have suffered marriage breakdown or never to have been married.
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