Age Cymru Dyfed calls for urgent action to tackle the loneliness crisis this Christmas
Published on 06 December 2025 07:24 PM
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The Age Cymru network recently released new statistics revealing the scale of loneliness and social isolation faced by older people this Christmas and is urging anyone who can to support the Christmas appeal to continue providing vital help to older people at the time they need it most. Loneliness affects older people all year round, but winter is often the hardest. Routine services wind down, shops reduce their opening hours, cold weather limits mobility, and shorter daylight hours make it difficult to stay socially connected, whether or not they celebrate Christmas.
The Age Cymru Network, which includes Age Cymru, Age Cymru Dyfed, Age Cymru Gwent, Age Cymru Gwynedd a Môn, Age Cymru Powys and Age Cymru West Glamorgan, believes that no older person should ever feel alone. The network is calling on the people of Wales to help change the outlook for thousands of older people by donating to support its essential services. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps provide human connection that far too many older people live without.
Despite its reputation as a season of joy, togetherness and celebration, Christmas can be a painful reminder of loss and isolation for many. Latest findings reveal:
• Two in five older people say they no longer feel the joy they once did at Christmas
• More than one in five are no longer surrounded by family or friends
• A sixth say they miss hearing laughter at Christmas
The statistics for Christmas Day itself are equally stark:
• Almost 36,000 older people in Wales will not see or speak to anyone
• More than 97,000 will eat their Christmas dinner alone
• Over 17,000 will have no one to exchange cards or presents with
CEO of Age Cymru, said:
“We know the joy, companionship and sense of belonging that services delivered across the Age Cymru network bring to so many older people at this time of year. When the TV or radio becomes someone’s only company, loneliness becomes a daily struggle. No older person should ever feel forgotten or alone. Your support can help change that. For thousands of older people who feel isolated or have no one else to turn to, the Age Cymru network is a lifeline. Through our advice services, we help people access support that can ease loneliness, and through our friendship services we provide regular conversations, a friendly voice and meaningful human connection.This is why donating is more important than ever. Your generosity helps us continue our vital work and be there for those who have no one else. A donation this winter could bring comfort, companionship and care to an older person facing loneliness...Help us tackle the loneliness you don’t see.”
Donate today!
Donate to your local Age UK Partner: Age Cymru Dyfed.
Help older people across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire love later life this Christmas, donate today.
Last year, thanks to supporters like you, Age Cymru Dyfed:
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Supported 365 people living with dementia and their carers
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Provided 560 people with mental health support
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Offered befriending through Life Links to 292 older people
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Helped 463 older people with technology and digital skills
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Delivered information and advice to 2,684 people
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Awarded £2.3 million in previously unclaimed welfare benefits
With limited statutory funding, every step and every pound you donate this winter keeps these vital services free, local, and available to all who need them. The easiest way is to give via Just Giving - but there are many other ways to donate on the page link below:
Donate today!
See also our latest blog: Winter Fuel Payments
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Festive Fundraiser
This Christmas, thousands of older people will be isolated, lonely and feeling forgotten. That’s why we’re calling on everyone to come together and fundraise for Age Cymru Dyfed so we can give comfort, friendship and joy to older people who need it most.