01 Dec Our tips for helping the elderly who may feel lonely this Christmas
For many of us, Christmas is a time of joy, family, and celebration. But for some, especially older members of our community, the festive season can also be a stark reminder of loneliness and isolation.
Recent figures show just how much this affects older people across the UK. Around 940,000 people aged 65 and over are reported to be “often lonely.” Meanwhile, roughly 270,000 older people in England go a whole week without speaking to a friend or family member.
These silent struggles can have serious consequences: loneliness has been linked to increased risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia — and poor mental health outcomes including depression and anxiety.
December is a busy time for everybody, but there are small things we can all do to help.
Arrange a visit
Do you have family members or neighbours who will be alone? Can you offer them a seat at your Christmas table? Or can you pop in and visit at some point during the day? If not Christmas day, then around the Christmas period and let that person know when they can expect you so they have something to look forward to. Even a cup of tea with a mince pie and a chat can have a positive impact.
Take the time to call
If you can’t physically be with a family member, then call them instead. A simple phone call can make all of the difference. In fact recent analysis also found “that a phone call from a loved one is the best Christmas present many older people feel they can receive, so Age UK is encouraging everyone to make the effort to phone an older friend over the Christmas season, so they know they are not forgotten”.
Help with their shopping
Pop around to your elderly neighbour and ask if you can take them out to the shops so that they can buy food or to get out of the house. Being alone can be a long day, with little to do.
Help with Christmas decorations
Many people living alone don’t bother to decorate the house and it can make a big difference and help lift their mood. Buy your neighbour a small tree and decorate it for them. Don’t forget to let them know you will also take it away, so that they don’t need to worry about the cleaning up.
Attend a Christmas event at a local community centre or church
Charities such as Community Christmas and Contact the Elderly, help volunteers to organise events and tea parties.
Offer to drive an elderly neighbour to an event
Encourage someone you know to get out and about to events over the festive season. By offering to drive them, it might be the nudge they need to overcome any anxiety, especially on Christmas Day when transport is limited.
Age UK is reaching out to everyone this winter to ask for their support so they can be there for even more older people. If you know someone that could benefit from their support, please help them get in touch. The difference they make really could be life changing.
If you know someone who might appreciate company or a helping hand — now or in the coming weeks — please consider reaching out.
And if you’d like to explore care options, or simply want to talk about what support might be right for your loved one, we’re here to help.
Wishing everyone a peaceful and connected festive season.