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An older man sits on a bus at twilight, looking sad and lonely

We’re facing a crisis hiding in plain sight.

You can help us solve it.

Donate now

By 2030 there will be 15 million people aged 65+ in the UK

That’s one in five of us. And society simply isn’t set up to cope. 

Almost a million (940,000) older people aged 65+ in the UK are often lonely

Almost 2 million older people are living in poverty

Overstretched NHS and social care systems mean 2 million aren’t getting the care they need to live with dignity

It’s no wonder so many of us fear ageing

We’re so busy trying not to think about ourselves getting older that we ignore the crisis building all around us.

Age UK sees this crisis. We won’t accept it.

And with your help this winter, we can change how we age by helping to solve it.  

We won’t let older people face a winter alone

We’re a network of expert problem-solvers, working locally and nationally to change how we age by giving support where it’s needed most - from our telephone friendship services to community day centres, our Advice Line to home help.

A lifeline for Michael

Michael, 75, lives alone with mobility problems, and often had to go days without speaking to another person, even at Christmas.

But since the Age UK Telephone Friendship Service paired him with Gemma, his telephone befriender, Michael has felt less alone – at Christmas and all year round.

“Loneliness is devastating. But knowing there is always a voice at the end of the phone has been life-changing,” he says.

There for Sandra when she needed support

When Sandra lost her husband Don after being together for 43 years, she struggled with grief and loneliness. “It was like a piece of me had been taken away,” she said.

But after finding the Age UK Telephone Friendship Service, Sandra was matched with Sarena for a weekly chat. The connection has helped Sandra feel less alone.

“I don't know what I'd have done without Sarena. She kept me going in those very bad days.”

Feeling lonely?

If you or someone you know is feeling lonely, you're not alone. We have a free guide full of information and practical tips to help, from other people who've been there too.

Download your guide

Will you help us?

It will take all of us, working together and speaking out, to change the way older people are treated in the UK - today and in the future. 

Support

Your donation could bring connection, comfort and care to an older person facing loneliness this winter.

Age UK campaigns

Campaign

By standing together, we can make the UK a better place to grow older – one where every older person is supported, included and valued.

Volunteer

Our incredible volunteers are change-makers, keeping our services running night and day. Could you be one of them?

Let’s solve the crisis people don't see. Let's change how we age. 

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