Age UK reveals 1.5 million older people will be eating dinner alone on Christmas Day
Age UK has released new statistics revealing the true extent of loneliness and social isolation amongst the older generation this Christmas. The charity is urging everyone who can to donate to its winter campaign so that it can continue supporting older people when they need it most.
Loneliness and social isolation are issues all year, but winter, and Christmas especially, can be particularly tough, Age UK reveals.
With routine services winding down, shops closing early or shutting completely, colder weather, shorter days and changes in people’s health, it becomes harder for many to sustain social connections, whether they celebrate Christmas or not.
New research highlights the stark reality of just how lonely this time of year is for older people. It found that one in two don’t feel the joy they once felt at Christmas time and one in three won’t be putting up a Christmas tree.
Its research found that one in five miss the sound of laughter at Christmas time and one million are more isolated at Christmas than any other time of the year.
The outlook for older people doesn’t get much brighter on Christmas Day either with five million reporting that they will be eating dinner alone, 760,000 not bothering to get dressed and 670,000 not seeing or speaking to anyone.
Age UK’s research also delves into the reasons why older people are often overlooked at Christmas. Sadly, many young and midlife adults assume older people are too fragile to get involved or that they prefer peace and quiet.
While for some it may be a restful time of solitude, this isn’t the case for every older person, in fact Christmas can be one of the most important times of the year to make sure those in later life feel included and valued.
Many people aged 18-64 also said they feel that being around older people forces others to think about their own ageing. It’s no secret that getting older brings lots of challenges, both physically and emotionally, and this time of year can exacerbate those experiences.
For 11 million older people, Christmas is a sad reminder of fond memories and 5.9 million find it difficult due to remembering loved ones who have passed away.
Age UK is dedicated to creating meaningful connections and providing expert support to older people through a range of national and local services – a true lifeline during the festive season and all year round.
This includes Age UK’s national Telephone Friendship Service, which matches older people with a volunteer who they share similar interests with so they can get to know each other through weekly calls. During Christmas week last year (24th – 31st December), Age UK volunteers made over 70,000 minutes’ worth of calls to their telephone friends.
Other services include the Silver Line Helpline, founded by Dame Esther Rantzen and now part of Age UK, which is free and available 24 hours a day, including Christmas Day, for any older person who would like a friendly chat. The Silver Line Helpline answered 3,353 calls over the Christmas week last year, equating to 45,860 minutes of conversation and support to older people.
Age UK’s free and confidential national Advice Line supports those who may be struggling with costs this winter and need some information and advice. It’s open every day of the year, including Christmas Day, providing friendly and expert advice on issues like loneliness, bereavement, and benefits, as well as challenges with mental and physical health and social care. The experts staffing the Advice Line answered over 1,800 calls during Christmas week last year.
Over half a million older people also rely on local social groups at Christmas, such as coffee mornings or festive lunches. Events like these are hosted across the country by over 100 local Age UKs, which offer in-person friendship services, activities, outings, get-togethers, parties and more throughout December and beyond.
Paul Farmer, CEO at Age UK, said: “We know that the feeling of joy, companionship and belonging that our national services and local Age UKs provide is truly life-changing for so many older people at this time of year.
“For instance, half of the older population hope to receive a call from someone on Christmas Day, and one in five (2.3 million) feel comforted knowing there are helplines available if they need a chat or some support over the festive period. This is why it’s never been more important to donate to Age UK – funds raised help us continue our vital work tackling loneliness and being there for those who have no one else to turn to.
“Your donation could bring comfort, friendship, and care to an older person facing loneliness this winter. From friendly weekly calls to local lunch clubs, we’re here to make sure no one spends winter alone. But we can’t do it without you. Help us tackle the loneliness you don’t see. Donate today.”
Dame Judi Dench, Age UK ambassador, adds: “Christmas is meant to be a time of light, warmth and being together. Yet for so many older people, it can be a time of silence – days without conversation or company.
“That’s why I’m proud to support Age UK this Christmas. With your help, they can bring a meaningful connection to older people. They work locally and nationally to give comfort and support where it’s needed most. Let’s act now and support Age UK and help make this winter a little better for those who are spending it alone.”
