More than 850,000 older people could be spending this Christmas alone
At Age UK, we’re working hard to relieve the isolation and despair felt by so many – but it’s only possible with the support of people like you.
At Age UK, we’re working hard to relieve the isolation and despair felt by so many – but it’s only possible with the support of people like you.
Every year, millions of older people depend on Age UK for practical and emotional support. Before the outbreak of coronavirus, we were already facing a loneliness epidemic amongst older people. As a result of the pandemic, this crisis has intensified.
For many thousands of older people, this Christmas will be the loneliest of their lives. Now more than ever, we need to be here with essential support for vulnerable and isolated older people though this challenging period. Now more than ever, we must not fail those who need us most.
Despite being fiercely independent and self-reliant, Marjorie has health problems that make life difficult – especially as she lives on her own. Now, with the threat of coronavirus and further restrictions, this Christmas is looking even harder.
“It is lonely on your own. I don’t have any brothers and sisters, and I never got married or had children. I'm going blind, so I can't see the TV. I'd like to go to sleep on Christmas eve and not wake up until New Year’s Day and miss the whole thing.”
Thankfully, Marjorie got up the courage to call Age UK, and now receives weekly calls from a befriender as part of our Telephone Friendship Service. Marjorie loves the conversations – telling us it makes her feel like there are people in the room with her again.
“I look forward to my befriending calls because we get on very well. I tell some funny stories sometimes. I think I get carried back in time, to when I was always acting the clown. It's much more pleasant reminiscing about the past than it is thinking about the virus.”
Without support, thousands of older people like Marjorie will have no one this Christmas. Now more than ever, we must show our older generation that they’re not forgotten.
We provide answers and reassurance to older people when they need it most - 96% of callers say we make a difference. Over the festive period, we'll be here every day for those who have no one else, giving help such as financial advice for how to stay warm through winter.
If you or someone you know needs support, Age UK is here for you. Call the Age UK Advice Line on 0800 169 6565, 8am to 7pm, every day of the year, or find information and advice on our website.