BOURNEMOUTH has been crowned as one of the happiest places to live in the country, according to the latest ONS study. 

Happy to wear this crown proudly, Bournemouth is spoiled with seven stunning miles of coastline, a rich and culturally diverse community as well as a jam-packed events calendar to suit everyone.

The new study by Care home comparison site, Care Sourcer, revealed where over-65s in the UK feel the most happy with Bournemouth coming third in the country.

Looking at life satisfaction, feelings of worthwhile, and levels of happiness and anxiety, the study used the ONS wellbeing dataset to reveal which areas are the happiest places to be for the UK’s over-65s. 

According to the study Bournemouth is the third happiest place in the UK for over-65s to live.

READ MORE: Bournemouth residents named among fittest in UK

Bournemouth Echo:

Image - caresourcer 

However, the index shows us that over-65s living in Scotland are the happiest people in the UK. The tight-knit communities of Stornoway and Kirkwall top the list as the happiest places, both scoring 8.0 on the happiness index. 

How to help combat loneliness? 

Andrew Parfery, CEO and founder of Care Sourcer said: "Another national lockdown leaves many people unable to carry out their normal plans or spend time with their loved ones in person but individuals in these communities can help.

"Wherever you live in the UK, there are lonely older people in your area, town and probably on your street. It’s up to all of us to step up and think creatively about how we can reach out to them in a safe way.

“If you are unable to see your loved ones in person, technology is your friend. Pick up the phone or FaceTime older friends and family - there is no time limit on this and it is a wonderful way to see multiple people at once. 

"There are lots of pen pal schemes in place across the country. Pen pal schemes became very popular during the first lockdown with school children writing to the elderly in their area. There are also opportunities to become a telephone friend to an older person. You may get a lot out of it too.

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"You are still able to provide unpaid care for a friend or family member if needed, and some people may be able to form a support bubble with a loved one who lives by themselves. When doing so, it is still important to adhere to government guidance and ensure everybody stays safe.

"We need to build better infrastructures in this country to stop the epidemic of isolation that is ruining the lives of our older generation. Let’s use this research as the push we all need to reach out and make a real difference to the elderly in our areas.”