One in three elderly people suffers loneliness The charities polled just over 1,000 people over 65 as well as similar numbers of under 25s as part of a project to recruit young people to help the elderly get online to help reduce isolation. Michelle Mitchell, Charity Director General of Age UK said: "Living in isolation and loneliness is a stark reality for too many people in later life, and feelings of loneliness can have a significantly adverse effect on physical and mental well-being. This new service is an important step in helping to reduce isolation and loneliness. Bringing older and younger people together in their local communities through internet training sessions will help open up new worlds both on and offline. Emma Thomas, chief executive of YouthNet, said: "There is so much that young people can contribute to society, and helping older people become more internet savvy is a great example of this."