Let's change Christmas for older people who are feeling lonely.

Together, we can provide the human connection that too many older people live without.

1.4 million older people feel more isolated at Christmas than any other time of year.

“I accept loneliness as my normal condition.”

During his career in the Merchant Navy, Steve sailed all over the world. Now, aged 79, Steve’s world has become much smaller.

Living with Parkinson’s and severe back pain, Steve is confined to the ground floor of his house – and most weeks, his only contact is with his carers.

Although Steve can remember joyful family Christmases from years ago, these days he often spends it alone.

“The loneliness is devastating.”

Since experiencing a series of mini strokes, former delivery driver Michael, 73, has lived alone in sheltered accommodation.

His ongoing mobility problems mean that Michael can go days without speaking to another person.

With no support system around him and no one to celebrate with, Michael finds the Christmas period particularly isolating.

For thousands of older people who are feeling lonely, forgotten or who have no one else to turn to for help, Age UK is a lifeline.

Together, we're not alone.

Older man taking a call on his mobile phone

Friendship services

Our telephone friendship services are here 365 days a year to offer a listening ear, a friendly voice to call or even a regular, weekly chat.

Learn more

Information and advice

We're here for anyone who's feeling lonely this Christmas - with practical advice, suggestions and support.

Read our guide

Local support

Local Age UKs provide support, friendship and activities that bring older people together. Find your local Age UK to see what services they offer.

Find out more

Research

Read our latest report on the realities of loneliness in later life, and what society needs to do to tackle this growing problem.

Download report (PDF, 6 MB)

Together, we can help change the lives of older people who are feeling lonely.

"My life's changed with the Telephone Friendship Service"

When Eva lost David, her beloved husband of 40 years, just a week before Christmas two years ago, her life turned upside down.

Thankfully, she was referred to Age UK's Telephone Friendship Service and matched with befriender Lorraine fora weekly chat.

Talking with Lorraine has helped to ease Eva’s loneliness and given her some self-confidence again. “Lorraine helped me through a really bad time,” Eva says. “I think the world of her.”

"If I were to advise somebody about loneliness and what to do, it would be to get in touch with Age UK."

Age UK Advice Line 0800 678 1602

Telephone friendship

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Making older people's voices heard

Together we're not alone

Let's change Christmas for older people who are feeling lonely.

1.4 million older people feel more isolated at Christmas than any other time of year.

“I accept loneliness as my normal condition.”

“The loneliness is devastating.”

For thousands of older people who are feeling lonely, forgotten or who have no one else to turn to for help, Age UK is a lifeline.