“Small things and a friendly face make all the difference to a family carer.”

Older people in the West Country are becoming increasingly isolated as neighbours fail to take notice of their basic needs.

According to a new report from the charity Age UK, one in four people aged 65 or more in the South West are not getting any help, support or companionship from people on their doorstep.

“It is a sad fact of life,” said Tom Williams, chairman of a Pensioners and 50-Plus Action Group in the region. “Times have changed and this has been happening more and more over the years. People are busy with their own lives and they don’t pop into each others houses any more.

He added: “We all know individuals who have children who live abroad, in America and Australia, and the chances are they aren’t coming back. These people are all right when they are living as a couple, but when one dies the survivor tends to get very lonely. It’s a real problem, but it’s hard to know what to do.”

Mr Williams, who is a keen advocate of over-50s getting more involved in their community, said older people were sometimes guilty of apathy themselves.

“It goes both ways. Older people need to get out more and be more vocal as well.”