Age UK Bolton warns of hidden Christmas loneliness crisis as local older people prepare to eat Christmas dinner alone

Age UK Bolton is urging the people of Bolton and Greater Manchester to take action this Christmas, as new national research from Age UK reveals the true scale of loneliness facing older people this winter – including here in our own borough.

While Christmas is often described as a season of joy, family and togetherness, the reality for thousands of older people across Bolton is very different. Many will spend the festive period alone – unseen, unheard, and unsupported – unless local organisations like Age UK Bolton can step in.

The national picture is stark:

• 1.5 million older people across the UK will eat Christmas dinner alone
• 670,000 won’t see or speak to anyone on Christmas Day
• One in two say they no longer feel joy at Christmas
• 1 million feel more isolated at Christmas than any other time of year

These figures reflect what Age UK Bolton sees every winter: older people in areas such as Breightmet, Halliwell, Farnworth, Horwich and beyond who have no one.

For many older people like Ann, 82, from Smithills, loneliness isn’t just about being on their own – it’s about being forgotten.

Ann said: “If it wasn’t for Age UK Bolton, I’d go weeks without seeing anyone."

“My family are spread all over – Scotland, London, even Cornwall. They’re busy with their own children and their own lives. They visit when they can, but Christmas is always hectic for them. If it wasn’t for Age UK Bolton, I would go week to week during the festive season without seeing a single person. Their visits, the phone calls, the groups… they remind me I still matter.”

Stories like Ann’s are sadly common across Bolton. Health challenges, bereavement, cost of living pressures, dark evenings and reduced winter services all make it harder for older people to stay connected.

To highlight the urgency of the issue, Age UK Ambassador Dame Judi Dench is supporting the campaign nationally:

Dame Judi Dench, Age UK ambassador, said: “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.”

Her words mirror what is happening right here in Bolton — where thousands of older neighbours face a silent Christmas unless the community steps in.

Each December, Age UK Bolton ramps up its support to ensure no older person is left completely alone. This includes:

• Festive lunch clubs and social groups across the borough
• Warm welcome spaces offering companionship, activities and a safe place to chat
• Home visits and wellbeing checks for people who are housebound
• Telephone befriending, matching isolated older residents with trained volunteers
• Practical winter support, from help with benefits to staying safe and warm
• Wraparound care, including Home from Hospital and falls prevention

Last Christmas, Age UK Bolton delivered thousands of hours of support, ensuring older people felt seen, valued and part of the Bolton community. But with demand rising every year, we cannot do this without local support.

Lauren McKechnie, Chief Executive of Age UK Bolton, said: “Loneliness at Christmas isn’t always visible – but we see it every single day. We meet older people preparing to spend Christmas alone because their partner has passed away, because family live far away, or because they’ve simply become disconnected from their community.”

“This Christmas, we’re asking Bolton to show once again that we are a borough that looks after our own. A small donation can make sure someone like Ann doesn’t spend the season in silence.”

Age UK Bolton is asking the public to support its local winter appeal to help end loneliness in Bolton this Christmas.

To donate £5, text AGEWELL to 70085.

Test costs £5 plus one standard network rate message, and you'll be opting into hearing more from Age UK Bolton. If you would like to donate but don't wish to hear more, text AGEWELLNOINFO. 

Your donation will help fund companionship calls, warm welcome groups, home visits and essential winter support for isolated older people across Bolton.