Loneliness and isolation are two of the biggest issues facing older people in the UK and this is a concern no matter what time of year it is, but it becomes particularly pressing during the winter and Christmas time, with figures suggesting that older people say they feel more cut off at this time of year than at any other.
Age UK research indicates that one million people feel this way at Christmas, with public services starting to wind down, shops either closing early or shutting their doors entirely and shorter days and bad weather making it hard to get out.
A new report from the charity shows that a quarter of all those over the age of 65 won’t put up decorations this year, while 1.4 million will eat dinner alone on Christmas Day.
The impact that loneliness can have on health, wellbeing and overall quality of life was also emphasised, linked with acceleration of frailty and an elevated risk of both physical and mental illnesses.
For example, loneliness was associated with a 29 per cent increase in the risk of incident coronary heart disease and a 25 per cent increased risk of dementia, as well as being linked to conditions like depression and anxiety.
Age UK’s CEO Paul Farmer said: “Our research has found that around 10.6 million older people – which is the equivalent of four in five – think spending time with loved ones is one of the best parts of Christmas. Yet the reality is so many are facing this festive season alone.
“At Age UK, we work tirelessly to campaign on behalf of older people, provide support and give advice, but sometimes just being offered a listening ear is all that’s needed to lift spirits.”
Top tips to help people feel less lonely
There are lots of ways you can help friends and family feel less isolated at Christmas time – and beyond. Here are some tips to help you make them feel more connected.
Give them a call
If you don’t have time to go round, get on the phone instead. This is a quick and easy way to make people feel as though they’ve not been forgotten about and won’t take up too much of your time.
Help with the shopping
Consider taking your loved one out for the day to do some Christmas shopping, or perhaps do their festive shopping for them and then help them wrap their gifts once you’ve bought everything on the list.
Hang up their decorations
It can be difficult for older people to be mobile enough to hang their decorations, but you can help them make their homes look festive and help them socialise at the same time by decorating the tree and hanging up some lights.
Take them some food
If you know someone’s going to be alone on Christmas Day, perhaps consider preparing them a plate of festive treats to drop over on the day, or on Boxing Day instead.
