THE LONELIEST city in the UK has been revealed – and health experts have warned of the dangers of isolation.
Research by co-living brand Gravity Co has revealed the places in the UK with the highest proportion of one-person households.
GettyLondon was ranked the loneliest city in the UK, with the borough of Westminster coming out on top[/caption]
London was found to have the largest number of working age people who live alone.
Nights alone and meals for one are the reality for many Londoners as 13 of the top 20 loneliest areas were found in the capital.
The borough of Westminster came out on top with 37% of residents living in solitude.
It’s not just London, though, as Liverpool came in with the second highest proportion of one-person households.
Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield were also in the top ten.
Studies show that loneliness can have a negative impact on the body both psychologically and physically, and is worse for a person’s health than smoking.
US surgeon general Vivek Murthy said loneliness can lead to higher risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death.
He said: “Our individual relationships are an untapped resource — a source of healing hiding in plain sight. They can help us live healthier, more productive, and more fulfilled lives.”
Gravity Co is helping to tackle the loneliness epidemic by providing young professionals with co-living accommodation across London that includes common areas where people can socialise.
Javier Mora didn’t know anyone when he first moved to London, but now lives in one of Gravity Co’s living sites.
He said: “I only go to the office twice a week, sometimes once a week. It’s a lot of working from home.
“If I picture myself alone apart from those days at work, it would be very mentally draining. Here it’s nice to go out to the kitchen or the common room and chat for a bit.”
Riccardo Tessaro, founder and CEO of Gravity Co, said: “Moving to a city like London offers more opportunities for those looking to progress in their careers or wanting a more fast-paced lifestyle.
“But as vibrant and exciting as life in the capital alongside nearly nine million other people may seem, if you’re returning each night to an empty home it can become quite a lonely experience – especially if you don’t know anyone outside of work.”
The NHS has a list of tips that can help with loneliness, including speaking to family, friends or health professionals.
Percentage of one-person households across the UK
Cities of London and Westminster – 37.1%
Liverpool, Riverside – 33.5%
Birmingham, Ladywood – 32%
Kensington, London – 31.9%
Leeds Central – 30.9%
Manchester Central – 30%
Sheffield Central – 29.8%
Bermondsey and Old Southwark, London – 29.2%
Islington South and Finsbury, London – 29.2%
Holborn and St Pancras, London – 29%
Westminster North, London – 28.9%
Hammersmith, London – 28.4%
Poplar and Limehouse, London – 28.2%
Chelsea and Fulham, London – 27.7%
Vauxhall, London – 27.6%
Nottingham East – 27.5%
Islington North, London – 27.1%
Hackney South and Shoreditch, London – 27%
Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport – 26.9%
Hampstead and Kilburn, London – 26.8%
AlamyLiverpool Riverside ranked second on the list of places with the highest percentage of people living alone[/caption]
AlamyBermondsey and Southwark came in the top ten loneliest parts of the UK[/caption] Read More