No-one to turn to in a crisis

Many adults feel they have no-one to turn to in a crisis, a survey has suggested.

Nearly three-quarters of those questioned for the Red Cross said they had already been through a period of crisis in their lives.

And 37% thought they could suffer one again within the next five years.

The main worries for people as they get older were cited as being the loss of independence and not being able to cope on their own.

About a quarter of the 2,043 people surveyed were concerned they would not be able to get around in the same way, and would be lonely and isolated.

The charity, which offers help and support in the UK as well as abroad, said support for the elderly would become "more vital" with an ageing population, shrinking budgets and health and social care services "struggling to meet demand".