Patients visiting GPs out of loneliness

The Campaign to End Loneliness Carried out some research which said that up to ten patients a day who visit GPs for company. It is thought that a lot of these lonely people are over 65. A lot of people go to work, visit friends, visit libraries - although they are closing but the pressing concern for many is that older people are lonely and there could be places that will allow them to feel less lonely. The Idea Stores which operate as libraries in Tower Hamlets, east London run Golden Time sessions bringing older people together. They also provide places for people to sit down, read, stay in the warmth, talk to people. Perhaps authorities should look at initiatives to help with loneliness. It might alleviate some of the health concerns they feel they need to visit GPs about.