Over 1 million people in the UK now suffer chronic loneliness, according to figures released by the Campaign to End Loneliness.
A survey conducted by the organisation found lonely people over the age of 65 simply missed sitting with someone.
More than half of those surveyed said that they missed having someone to laugh with.
The stats:
Over a million people say they feel lonely "all or most of the time"
76 per cent of GPs report 1 -5 patients a week come to their surgery because they feel lonely
Two-fifths of older people say their main source of company is the TV
Women are more likely to report being lonely than men
A 2012 study concluded that people who suffer with loneliness are 64 per cent more likely to develop clinical dementia
It comes as Premier continues the Christmas Alone campaign to match people with a church event on December 25th.
Loneliness is common among the elderly because of bereavement, poor health and lack of transportation. All these factors contribute to the elderly being unable to leave the house to participate in social activities they used to enjoy.
Rev Richard Hardy is running a Christmas Alone event this year and told Premier: "We run lunch clubs, we run a dementia friendly café. We've actually organised holidays where people can go away together.
"Hopefully we can engage with people in their isolation and draw them into the family of faith.
"Years and years ago, neighbours would have looked after neighbours and I think one of the most fundamental things we can do is be good neighbours.
"We are often very money rich in this country but time poor, so when you give someone time you are actually giving them a very precious gift."
If you'll be alone on Christmas Day, or know someone who will be, click here for an event near you.
Listen to Premier's Megan Griffiths speaking to Revd Richard Hardy.