A Christmas message
Published on 18 December 2014 01:00 PM
It's almost Christmas - a time for joy and celebration, but also a time of loneliness and sadness.
In fact, Age Cymru's research shows that 19% of over 65s in Wales are not looking forward to this Christmas.
A third of these people say they are not looking forward to Christmas because of memories of loved ones who have passed away.
While nothing can fill the void left by the loss of our nearest and dearest, we can all help to ease that pain with simple acts of kindness.
Age Cymru's annual Spread the Warmth campaign aims to make winter a better time for older people.
You can support this campaign and Spread the Warmth over the next fortnight by showing some festive spirit towards older people.
If you've got an older family member, a friend or neighbour who you think will be alone over the Christmas holidays, show them you care and make them part of your celebrations.
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?
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.
Merry Christmas,
Ian Thomas, Chief Executive, Age Cymru