Age of Loneliness, TV review: Insightful case studies trace the routes to social exclusion

Sue Bourne's documentary goes heavy on the piano music, but it isn't the kind of could-be-you-could-be-me viewing that leaves you with yet another thing to worry about

Jayne, an outgoing 40-year-old in Leeds, seemed at first to be an unlikely subject (Daniel Dewsbury/BBC)

Through insightful case studies, the Sue Bourne's documentary – commissioned last year after research found Britain to be "the loneliness capital of Europe" – traced the various routes to social exclusion, a "silent epidemic" which, according to radio soundbites woven throughout the film, is as noxious as cigarettes and obesity.

The problem is in large part caused by increased life expectancies and a 42 per cent rate of divorce, as well complex mental health issues. So Isobel, a pretty first-year university student, struggling to find friends, and Jayne, an outgoing 40-year-old in Leeds, seem at first to be unlikely subjects; more familiar are 95-year-old childless widow, Dorothy, and, my favourite, Olive, 100, with tens of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and even a great-great-great grandchild – none of whom visit her much. Their loss.

But though Bourne does go rather heavy on the piano music, this isn't the kind of could-be-you-could-be-me viewing that leaves you with little more than yet another thing to worry about. About halfway through, focus shifts to what subjects are doing to connect with others and find meaning in life – from computer classes to "buggy walks" for frustrated mums. That's when we meet Bob, another favourite, who, now 93, began recording talking newspapers after his wife's death. "It keeps the body's juices flowing."