AN app that addresses loneliness and social isolation among South Lakeland's elderly has taken off.

Kendal Town Council has teamed up with Lancaster University to develop the mobile application aimed at alleviating some of the issues elderly residents face on a day-to-day basis.

Mobile Age is a free app that can be uploaded on any technological device. It provides the user with information regarding local events, travel services and volunteering opportunities. There is information about the weather, easy to use maps showing benches, bus stops and accessible public toilets as well as links to bus and train timetables.

Cllr Eamonn Hennessy said: "This app was designed with the help of the people who would use it to get about in the South Lakes."

According to Kendal Town Council residents who are aged over 65 account for more than a quarter, at least 25 per cent, of South Lakeland’s population, the highest proportion in the country.

"It's great that Kendal is the first of many looking to use this technology for this particular purpose," said Cllr Hennessy. "It's really simple to use and it will provide South Lakes residents with access to useful events and information."

Professor Niall Hayes, from Lancaster University Management School, led the team of researchers who developed the app. He said: “The app has been designed to be purposefully simple so should be easy to use, and family, friends, neighbours and carers can access it on behalf of a friend or relative to help them plan their weeks.

“In our new digital world, it is so important that older adults don’t get left behind or excluded – and apps like Mobile Age ensure that they get the best of both worlds."

Cllr Hennessy said he did not see why other towns couldn't adopt the Mobile Age app too.

"Hopefully this piece of software can be used across Cumbria, I can't see why other towns wouldn't benefit from this," said Cllr Hennessy.