Nottinghamshire county councillors are urging people to take time to help isolated residents re-connect to others in the community.
Former leader of the council, Kay Cutts, says the authority needs to do something about this issue and help those who live alone, particularly the elderly.
She said: “I think this is a real problem and I feel this is one of those things where county councillors can make a real difference.
“Churches often have lunchtime clubs or afternoon teas; if you don’t go to church it might not appeal but there’s lots more to do out there.”
A booklet may be produced to let elderly people know what is happening in their area and around Nottinghamshire.
The County Council has worked with Age UK and other clinical commissioning groups to raise more awareness about this issue.
An estimated 39,780 pensioners live in Nottinghamshire and around 10% suffer from loneliness, according to the Campaign to End Loneliness.
