Can an app help fight loneliness in elderly people at Christmas?

While loneliness is experienced by all ages, it is especially pronounced in older people. Might technology play a role in addressing loneliness and social isolation?

The course of our research showed the dearth of organised events for older people (Corbis)

Loneliness, as a leading cause of depression and obesity is believed to cost the UK £6,000 per person in health and social care services. The condition is especially prevalent during the winter holidays when it is perhaps intensified by short days, bad weather and the impression everyone else is enjoying the festive season with family and friends.

While loneliness is experienced by all ages, it is especially pronounced in older people. In the UK, 51 per cent of people aged 75 and over live alone and approximately 6 per cent of older adults leave their house once a week or less. An increasing proportion of these older adults live in rural areas.

In an age when services and information are increasingly available online, might technology play a role in addressing loneliness and social isolation?