Age Concern New Zealand chief executive Ann Martin said research revealed about 50,000 people in New Zealand aged 65 and older were likely to be severely or chronically lonely.
''We have had somebody report that the only visitor they get is the person who reads the power meter every month.''
Research from Cornell University in New York revealed loneliness was as bad for an older adult's health as smoking cigarettes.
The researchers' report, ''Social disconnectedness, perceived isolation, and health among older adults'', revealed people who lacked social connections or reported frequent feelings of loneliness suffered higher rates of morbidity and mortality, as well as infection, depression and cognitive decline.
''We are social beings. If we don't have connection with people, then we don't function as well,'' Ms Martin said.
Age Concern Otago social worker Marie Bennett said there were many lonely elderly people living in Otago.
''It's huge.''
The daughters and sons of many elderly people had moved away from Otago, she said.
''That's the reality of living here - mum and dad have been left behind and quite often get isolated.''
One socially isolated Age Concern Otago client in Dunedin battled her loneliness by visiting a cafe every day and starting a conversation.
''She's met amazing people. She just starts chatting to whoever - but a lot of our oldies wouldn't do that. However, I admire her for doing that.
''She has done something about her loneliness.''
Age Concern Otago visiting service regional co-ordinator Kristen Beardsmore said loneliness was a ''hidden'' problem in Otago.
Age Concern Otago had programmes where people visited elderly people for an hour a week, she said.
''It's a start.''
The next step towards curbing loneliness in a community was for people to visit the elderly in their neighbourhood, she said.
