Seniors do tea and tango to tackle loneliness in UK

All gloom was left outside as pensioners bustled into a room in Liverpool's centuries-old town hall for a tea dance, a lively antidote to getting older in Britain.

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"Come to tea dances and avoid the NHS," joked Davina Woods, 71, referring to the country's creaking health system and the awareness the retirees have that as they age, they will likely come into increasing contact with the health service.

Woods, a former headteacher, said she loves the sessions for the chance to get dressed up and don high heels. It really "lifts your spirits", she said.

For some, the dancing provides a welcome chance to put aside the political tensions facing the country as it grapples with a host of issues, including weak economic growth and discontent over immigration.

"We leave politics outside," said engineer David Easton, 65. "It brings people together. It brings us joy."