A Welsh Conservative AM has criticised a Welsh Government decision to delay publication of a key strategy document.

The Welsh Labour Government’s strategy to tackle loneliness and isolation amongst older people will not be published until 2019, but the Welsh Conservative Older People’s Champion is warning that 2019 “will come too late” for thousands of older people.

Janet Finch-Saunders AM said:

“Loneliness is Wales’ silent killer and we need to recognise the importance of tackling isolation in Welsh communities.

“Loneliness is a significant public health risk – as damaging as smoking – and we need to take urgent steps to improve quality of life for older people in society.

“2019 will come too late for thousands of older people suffering in isolation.

“We need to see a greater focus from the Welsh Government on developing innovative policy solutions to improve quality of life for older people – including the long promised, but never delivered integration of health and social care.”