Age UK Norwich issues urgent call to end loneliness crisis as new research shows 30,000 older people in the East will be eating dinner alone on Christmas Day

As part of its recently launched campaign – A Crisis Hiding in Plain Sight – Age UK has released heart-breaking new statistics revealing the true extent of loneliness and social isolation amongst the older generation in the East this Christmas.

Age UK Norwich is now highlighting its range of local services which are available to those in Norwich and surrounding areas who may need support throughout the festive season and beyond.

Loneliness and social isolation are issues all year, but winter, and Christmas especially, can be particularly tough. With routine services winding down, shops closing early or shutting completely, colder weather, shorter days and changes in people’s health, it becomes harder for many to sustain social connections, whether they celebrate Christmas or not.

Often painted as a season of joy, togetherness, and non-stop celebrations, Christmas is known for family feasts, childhood magic, and friendly reunions. Yet Age UK’s new research highlights the stark reality of just how lonely this time of year is for older people in the East:

• 670,000 say they don’t feel the joy they once felt at Christmas time 
• 370,000 won’t be putting up a Christmas tree
• 280,000 say they miss the sound of laughter at Christmas time 
• 66,000 are more isolated during this festive period at Christmas than any other time of the year 

The outlook for older people in the East doesn’t get much brighter on Christmas Day either:

• 130,000 will be eating dinner alone
• 100,000 won’t bother getting dressed 
• 53,000 won’t see, or speak to anyone

Age UK’s research also delves into the reasons why older people are often overlooked at Christmas. Sadly, many young and midlife adults assume older people are too fragile to get involved or that they prefer peace and quiet. While for some it may be a restful time of solitude, this isn’t the case for every older person, in fact Christmas can be one of the most important times of the year to make sure those in later life feel included and valued.

Many people aged 18-64 also said they feel that being around older people forces others to think about their own ageing. It's no secret that getting older brings lots of challenges, both physically and emotionally, and this time of year can exacerbate those experiences. For 1,100,000 older people in the East, Christmas is a sad reminder of fond memories and 520,000 find it difficult due to remembering loved ones who have passed away.

Age UK Norwich is working hard to combat loneliness through a range of local services and activities, such as lunch clubs, exercise classes and advice and support when there’s no one else to turn to.

Age UK calculation based on data (weighted to be representative of the UK population) from Yonder online and telephone polling for Age UK (weighted sample of 2659 people aged 65+ in the UK, between the 31^st October and 10^th November 2025) and ONS mid-year 2024 population estimates. All statistics are drawn from this polling.

Dan Skipper, Chief Executive at Age UK Norwich said “These figures are heartbreaking, but sadly they reflect what we see locally every winter. Loneliness doesn’t switch off after Christmas Day, and for many older people it’s a daily reality that becomes even harder during the festive season. At Age UK Norwich, our services are a lifeline for older people who may otherwise feel forgotten. We want anyone who is struggling, or who is worried about an older friend or relative, to know that help is available and that no one has to face this alone.”

Gordon, a service user at Age UK Norwich said “I used to love Christmas Day, but it’s not something I look forward to anymore – it can be a very sad time. Every year, Age UK Norwich hosts a Christmas dinner a few weeks beforehand, and I’m incredibly grateful for it. It’s become my Christmas Day. When the day itself arrives, I don’t see anyone after losing my wife and sons, but that event gives me something to look forward to and reminds me that I’m not alone. It’s always the highlight of the season.”

Age UK is also encouraging people to get behind the Crisis Hiding in Plain Sight campaign and to donate to help ensure that the Charity’s essential services and support can continue to be there for older people and their families.

To find out more about these services and how you can support Age UK visit  www.ageuk.org.uk

Anyone who needs support, who is worried about an older relative or friend or wants to find out more about Age UK’s friendship services, can get in touch by calling the Age UK Advice free of charge, on 0800 169 6565 (8am-7pm), or visit ageuk.org.uk. Any older person looking for a cheerful chat day or night can call Age UK’s Silver Line Helpline, on 0800 4 70 80 90.