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 straight-talking, no-nonsense agony aunt Anne Robinson tackles the problems troubling you

LET COUNSELLOR KEREN LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD

HAVE YOUR SAY

Dear Stephen, W atching you, then aged 13, ...

Each month, a reader writes to a loved one in the afterlife and Mandy Masters tunes in to share their reply. This time, Julie Morris writes to her mum Marjorie