Can old friendships be rekindled?

LET COUNSELLOR KEREN LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD

THAT FEELING OF BEING ON THE OUTSIDE, EVEN WHEN YOU’RE WITH EVERYONE? YOU’RE NOT IMAGINING IT – AND IT CAN CHANGE. HERE’S HOW TO GET THE FEELING OF CONNECTION BACK

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?

Our pick of your best letters and some wise words from our favourite stars…

Q‘I’m 61 and have just moved from London to Scotland to start a new life. The scenery is breathtaking but my social life… less so. I’ve always been “the nice one” – helpful, upbeat, unfailingly polite

When Julie Bray, 63, popped into the supermarket, it changed everything…