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Marjorie sits alone in her living room, looking downcast

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.  

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.

Share our film with your friends and show why older people must not be forgotten this Christmas.

98-year-old Marjorie knows all too well what it’s like to be alone at this time of year.

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.

Thanks to donations from the public, we're helping older people through these challenging times. Here's how:

Heart icon Did you know the Age UK Advice Line is open 365 days a year, including Christmas day?

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.

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We’re here for you too

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.

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