One in five older people in the UK admits to feelings of loneliness – and this only intensifies at Christmas. What is causing this crisis and how can we combat the sense of isolation?

PUSH YOUR BUTTONS?

Headlines about the hardships of motherhood are rife – and one group of women have been paying close attention. Here, a thirtysomething writer takes a break from her to-do list to hear from those who are burning themselves out to prepare for parenthood

Take a moment for YOU this festive season

LET COUNSELLOR KEREN LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD

When did you last call someone a spinster? Chances are that the label, and all its tragic connotations, has vanished from your vocab. Thankfully, we’ve moved past the idea that unmarried women are con