We need to talk about loneliness: researcher

Auckland University research into loneliness has just been made into an animated short film. The research, by Professor of Health Sciences Dr Merryn Gott, found significant loneliness and social isolation among the elderly affecting both physical and mental health. She says we need a public health campaign focusing on loneliness, in the same vein as recent campaigns on depression. Dr Gott hopes the film, Elder Birdsong, will help encourage social connection.