Lonely elderly don't want to impose on 'too busy' neighbours, study finds Polling found that just over a third of the estimated 10.3 million pensioners feel unable to rely on neighbours for help and support. Seven per cent of older people polled said they did not know their neighbours, the equivalent of about 721,000 individuals. When asked why this was, almost half of those people said that they thought their younger neighbours seemed too busy. Meanwhile a quarter stated that they did not want to be a burden. Dame Helen Mirren, who is backing Age UK's "Big Winter Pledge" campaign, said: "It's shocking that so many older people die needlessly in the winter months ... I would urge everyone to get stuck in this winter and help out older friends, neighbours and relatives with Age UK. The study follows earlier research showing that the problem of isolation is particularly acute among older men who are suffering in silence because of a "stiff upper lip." Studies have shown links between isolation and more rapid decline in health, more falls and a greater likelihood of smoking. Overall around 700,000 older people describe themselves as "always" or "often" feeling lonely. One previous survey also found that over half of older people described the television as their main form of company. The campaign involves getting people to pledge to call in on their older neighbours regularly or help in practical ways such as clearing ice from doorsteps and paths to enable them to get out safely. Michelle Mitchell, director general of Age UK said: "The winter can cause misery, avoidable illness and even death for too many older people. We're hoping to inspire people to act now to do their bit to lessen the impact of winter for older people this year. As we experienced as a nation this summer, it feels good to come together.and help each other out. Small things and a friendly face can make all the difference.