‘How can someone die unnoticed, with their front door left open, in our densely populated city of supposed hyper-connectivity?’

THE gut-punching story of a man struggling with alcoholism found dead in his flat by a key worker days after he passed away should shock us all, (Old are ‘dying of loneliness’, warn key workers, February 1).

How can someone die unnoticed, with their front door left open, in our densely populated city of supposed hyper-connectivity?

It’s a symptom of a very sick society.

Stories like this, and there are countless more that slip away unreported, are sadly becoming less of an anomaly in London.

In Japan they use the term “kodokushi” to describe when someone is alone and remains undiscovered for a long time, a phrase coined in the 1980s due to an increasing older population and economic turmoil.

Camden’s aging population, the cost of living crisis and a high proportion of people living on their own is driving a loneliness epidemic in the borough.

In 2021 39 per cent of households in Camden had people living on their own. Older people are the fastest growing age group, many of whom are living alone when they aren’t able to care for themselves.

While isolation might not seem like a big killer on its own, it has a direct link to fatalities.

Camden’s drugs and alcohol service warned last week that when people become lonely, they turn to drink or drugs to cope.

Recovery coordinator Mary Treacy, who found the man dead in his flat, said loneliness should be classed as a cause of death on certificates.

Communities do exist in Camden; where neighbourly love, community centres and solidarity with people fallen on hard times thrive. But there are just as many people who have fallen to the wayside.

Let’s not forget them.

Costing the ancient and modern

Queen Camilla met hospital staff, patients, charity donors and architects during her visit to the new centre

THE eye-catching new Maggie’s support centre at the Royal Free Hospital will provide cancer patients and their families with a welcoming space to share stories and experiences, as well as an opportunity to learn new skills and techniques to cope with cancer, (Queen opens cancer centre at Royal Free, February 1).

It is a much-needed service that will benefit thousands of people in Camden every year.

That the Queen came to Hampstead to cut the ribbon will have added a touch of grandeur to the official launch.

Bringing Camilla here will have meant much logistical planning with security details and upheaval for staff.

It highlights the need for a grown-up debate about the continued point of having a monarchy, what it represents and how much it costs.

These questions are as important and timely as ever.