A Hitchin care home owner is urging families to recognise the impact loneliness can have on older men following the loss of a partner, warning that many wait until they reach "crisis point" before seeking help.

Neil Gandecha, owner of Foxholes Care Home in Hitchin, says he has seen first-hand how bereavement can leave older widowers isolated after decades of sharing their lives with a spouse.

His comments come as Age UK estimates that nearly one million older people in the UK are often lonely, with research suggesting older men can be particularly vulnerable after losing a partner.

Neil said many men struggle to talk openly about the practical and emotional challenges they face following bereavement.

"Many of the men we meet have spent decades sharing their lives with a partner. When that relationship ends, they can suddenly find themselves living alone and without the support network they've relied on for years.

"It's not uncommon for people to try and manage on their own for as long as possible, even when they're finding things difficult.

"Unfortunately, by the time some people reach us, things have already reached crisis point."

To help tackle the issue, Foxholes Care Home launched a dedicated Gentlemen's Club after staff noticed many male residents were not naturally forming friendships in the same way as female residents.

The weekly group brings residents together to share meals, talk about shared experiences and offer support to one another. Neil has personally organised and attended the club for around three years.

He said the aim was to create a space where men felt comfortable discussing subjects they might otherwise keep to themselves.

"Whether it's discussing bereavement, health concerns, family life or simply sharing memories and experiences, having that support network can make a huge difference.

"The conversations aren't always easy, but they are important. Sometimes it's the first opportunity someone has had to speak openly about what they're dealing with."

According to Neil, discussions often cover topics including grief, health worries and the practical realities of later life – conversations some residents may find difficult to have with family members.

Age UK research suggests older men are more likely to rely on a partner to maintain social connections in later life, meaning bereavement can leave them particularly vulnerable to loneliness and isolation. The charity also says many older men are reluctant to seek support because of a strong sense of independence and self-reliance.

Neil said he has seen many widowers regain confidence and rediscover a sense of purpose through the Gentlemen's Club.

"Many of the men who come along are widowers who thought their lives were over and that there was nothing left for them to do.

"Often all they need is a little encouragement. Once they start coming along, they make new friends, rediscover old interests and gain a fresh perspective.

"Watching those friendships develop over the years has been one of the most rewarding things I've been involved in."

He added that loneliness should not be accepted as an inevitable part of growing older.

"One of the biggest misconceptions is that loneliness is simply part of getting older. It doesn't have to be.

"We've seen people arrive feeling isolated and withdrawn, then gradually regain confidence through friendship, conversation and companionship.

"No one should feel they have to face later life alone."