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Addressing Loneliness and Social Isolation in Later Life You are invited to attend a public lecture titled 'Addressing Loneliness and Social Isolation in Later Life' on Monday 3rd November at BMA House in London with keynote guest speaker Esther Rantzen CBE and a panel of experts. Register now<http://www.alumni.lancs.ac.uk/page.redir?target=http%3a%2f%2fwww.eventbrite.co.uk%2fe%2fpublic-lecture-addressing-loneliness-and-social-isolation-in-later-life-tickets-12059872403&srcid=15114&srctid=1&erid=1684351&trid=89491dc6-0fe6-4456-8b3d-29dcbb8c44e1> Loneliness and isolation in later life have been the focus of increasing attention in recent years. The evidence reveals that in the UK alone, over one million people over the age of 65 experience severe or persistent loneliness. This is important as a growing body of evidence indicates that lonely and socially isolated older people are likely to experience poorer physical and mental health outcomes including elevated blood pressure, poor diet, depression, suicide and dementia. Indeed, the size of the impact on mortality has been compared to that of cigarette smoking and obesity. [http://www.alumni.lancs.ac.uk/image/-email/ado/bench-1.jpg] Tackling loneliness and social isolation amongst older people is an important issue. Media coverage in the UK has sought to raise awareness of the potential consequences and ensuring that loneliness is a priority for many local authorities. In part this is due to an effective Age UK backed Campaign to End Loneliness, and the well-publicised launch of initiatives such as Silverline, a confidential telephone support service for older people. As part of Lancaster University's 50th Anniversary celebrations, the Centre for Ageing Research is hosting a public lecture and panel discussion aimed at encouraging debate about what forms of interventions are needed or are proven to be most effective in addressing loneliness and social isolation in later life and where responsibility lies for tackling the issue. [http://www.alumni.lancs.ac.uk/image/-email/ado/coffee-1.jpg] To help stimulate this debate we are delighted to announce our guest speaker will be Esther Rantzen CBE who is well-known for her work in charitable causes including Silverline. Panellists will include Pam Creaven (Director of Services, Age UK), the Right Honourable Paul Burstow MP, and Professor Christine Milligan (Director of Lancaster University Centre for Ageing Research). For further information and to register for a ticket please visit our event webpage. Register now<http://www.alumni.lancs.ac.uk/page.redir?target=http%3a%2f%2fwww.eventbrite.co.uk%2fe%2fpublic-lecture-addressing-loneliness-and-social-isolation-in-later-life-tickets-12059872403&srcid=15114&srctid=1&erid=1684351&trid=89491dc6-0fe6-4456-8b3d-29dcbb8c44e1> Please feel free to circulate this email to anyone who might like to join us.