MILLIONS of British pensioners are isolated, depressed and without food as a result of the continued lockdown, a study reveals.
Charity Age UK warns 6.4million people aged 70 and over are worried about the impact coronavirus is having on their life.
Some 2.9million feel their mental health has been harmed and 3.3million say it has hit access to essentials like food and drugs.
Caroline Abrahams, from Age UK, urged the elderly to phone friends and relatives, read the news, keep moving and try puzzles.
She added: “Lockdown brought sudden changes to all of our lives and that has naturally affected our feelings and mood, leaving many of us experiencing feeling low, worried or having problems sleeping.
“Understandably, social distancing can be boring or frustrating for many older people even though it is an essential measure for keeping us safe.
“We all miss being outside with other people and seeing our friends and family.
“Many are missing life events, seeing and hugging grandchildren, meeting new additions to families, going to weddings and gatherings.
“Even very basic things like getting online to order essential food and products can present a challenge.
“All of these things can have an impact our mental health which is why we should all take some simple steps to safeguard our own and other’s emotional wellbeing.”
Don't miss the latest news and figures - and essential advice for you and your family.
To receive The Sun’s Coronavirus newsletter in your inbox every tea time, sign up here.
To follow us on Facebook, simply ‘Like’ our Coronavirus page.
Get Britain’s best-selling newspaper delivered to your smartphone or tablet each day – find out more.
