A NEW survey has revealed that one in four (2.9 million) people aged 65 and over feel they have no-one to go to for help and support.

Of these, 39% said they felt lonely and one in five (21%) said they felt forgotten as a result of this.

In addition, half of younger people aged 25-44 admitted that they have worried about being alone in later life. The survey was carried out by Age UK.

“It shows just how crucial having someone to turn to is if we’re to be happy and fulfilled in our lives,” said a spokesman.

For all adults in the South West, being able to talk and laugh with someone is the most important thing of all (77%), with 61% saying physical contact has made them happy.

65% of all South West people said this for having someone to eat with, and 71% said that feeling that they are part of other people’s lives makes them happy.