Very few people will be fortunate enough to go through life without feeling lonely at some point.
For the luckiest souls, loneliness may come and go fleetingly, but for others it can become chronic. In such cases, you may feel lonely almost all the time.
According to the Office for National Statistics, in February 2026, nearly a quarter of UK adults said they feel lonely often, always, or some of the time.
This may make you feel less alone. Better still, realising that others feel the same as you might make it that little bit easier to take steps to meet and socialise with others.
Feeling lonely isn’t just an emotional issue. It could affect your health too. As well as leading to poorer brain health and a weaker immune system, it has been shown to be associated with:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Obesity
Retirement should be an exciting new chapter, but it could leave you more vulnerable to becoming lonely.
Whether you’re newly retired, have been retired for several years, or are planning to retire in the near future, here are three thoroughly practical ways to make meaningful connections and revamp your social life.
1. Get involved with the Marmalade Trust
The Marmalade Trust has won awards and international recognition for its work to raise awareness and help tackle loneliness.
Every June, the British-based charity hosts Loneliness Awareness Week – a global event inspiring conversations about loneliness and promoting positive connections and social activities. In 2026, Loneliness Awareness Week runs from Monday 15 June to Sunday 21 June.
Last year, more than 5,000 events took place during the week-long campaign. Activities are wide and varied, from digital choirs and coffee mornings to fireside chats. Find out what’s happening near you on the Marmalade Trust website via the site’s interactive Connections Map.
If there’s nothing that tickles your fancy, why not put the word out and host your own social event.
2. Volunteer your time and do more of something you love
One of the best things about volunteering is that alongside the feel-good factor, you can choose what to do, and when and how to be involved – allowing you to fit it around your life.
Whether it’s a couple of hours a week, or a regular shift, there are loads of opportunities to support causes you care about, help people in need, or simply more spend time doing something you love.
If you’re keen to make a meaningful contribution and meet likeminded people, the Royal Voluntary Service could be a good starting point. The National Trust also welcomes volunteers – if you’re keen to support a particular property, pop along and ask if there are any current opportunities to get involved.
Alternatively, use the Trust’s online search to find an opportunity close to you. Whether you’re keen to help maintain extensive grounds, parks, and gardens, work with visitors, or see behind the scenes of the houses, there is a wealth of ways to help.
3. Discover likeminded people through the University of the Third Age
Better known as u3a, the University of the Third Age spans the whole of the UK. Almost exclusively run by volunteers, the global charity organises local interest groups for retirees.
With literally hundreds of events, groups, and classes to join, there’s no shortage of possibilities to indulge a long-held hobby or explore something brand new.
To give you a flavour, a quick search on the site loads more than 30 u3a groups within the local area, including: Bury, Crewe and Nantwich, Knutsford and District, Southport, and Northwich. And each group runs a wide variety of regular activities, including:
And this only covers a small section of what’s happening at the Crewe and Nantwich branch! Visit the u3a website to find out what’s happening near you.