TRADITIONALLY men don’t socialise the same as women.

While they have a social network, they probably don’t get together with their pals as frequently as their female counterparts and men are more prone to keeping things to themselves.

As we get older, and particularly when our lifestyle changes - the loss of a loved one and the change in our routine brought about by retirement - can leave many older people feeling lonely.

According to analysis by the national charity Age UK, loneliness among older men is a growing problem in our society, especially for those with poor health.

Almost a third of older men who have long-term health problems - around half a million men over the age of 65 in England – are lonely.

Age UK is warning that in the coming years, demographic change will see many more older men living alone – the number is set to rise by 65 per cent by 2030 – which will greatly increase their risks of becoming lonely.

The Charity is warning that although as a society we are becoming more aware of the risks of loneliness to older women, we need to understand that older men can also be badly affected and that the numbers of lonely older men are substantial and on the rise. One of the main reasons is that life expectancy for men is catching up with that for women.

Caroline Abrahams, Age UK’s Charity Director, said: ‘Loneliness is a widespread problem among older men, especially for those who are unwell, bereaved or who have seen family and friends move away. As more older men live longer we need to appreciate that the numbers who are chronically lonely are likely to increase too – unless we do something about it, which we can and we must do. “

Loneliness can have a serious impact on health putting increased pressure on health and social care services.

The Charity is calling on the Government to recognise loneliness and isolation in later life as a serious health problem and commit to action to help tackle it.

Hale, Health Action Local Engagement, a healthy living and wellbeing project based in Shipley, has already identified a growing need to help older men feeling lonely and isolated.

As well as the weekly Monday club, a place for men to get together, the organisation also runs allotment schemes and, more recently, launched BOBS, Blokes on’t Bus.

BOBS is a weekly outreach initiative involving a single decker bus travelling around communities for men to get on board and socialise.

Natasha Thomas, chief officer of Hale, says initiatives such as this are crucial in helping to tackle loneliness in our local communities.

“There are fewer and fewer services to enable people to talk,” she says, referring to the demise of some local pubs and working men’s clubs where men traditionally meet.

“It is sad because if you work all your life and you retire, suddenly you don’t necessarily have that communication and with pubs and working men’s clubs closing, and if you have a disability or mental health problem, it shrinks your world,” says Natasha.

“It is vital there is more recognition of this.”

To find out more about the Hale initiatives call 01274 271088 or visit haleproject.org.uk; to contact Age UK call the free advice line on 0800 169 6565 or visit ageuk.org.uk.