Show some festive spirit

Make someone's Christmas this year by involving them in your celebrations – that’s the message today from older people’s charity, Age Cymru.

With an estimated 1 in 10 older people in Wales set to spend this Christmas alone, the charity is urging us all to do our bit to tackle loneliness on 25 December.

Age Cymru Director of Influencing and Programme Development, Victoria Lloyd, says:

“This can be a very lonely time of year for many older people and some might be faced with spending the festive period without their families, friends or loved ones.
 
“It is also a time of year when money can be tight, with many older people having to choose between heating their homes or eating healthily and there is the added financial pressure of buying presents.

“This is why Age Cymru is asking the people of Wales to show some festive spirit – if you’ve got an older family member, a friend or neighbour who you think will be alone this Christmas time, show them you care and make them part of your celebrations.”

Victoria Lloyd concludes

“Why not invite someone over to spend time with you and your family on Christmas day – in fact, why not ask them over to have dinner with you?

“Remember that little things can make a difference and something as simple as getting out of the house to meet, eat and be with other people will have a lasting and positive effect on the lives of older people this Christmas and beyond.”