Help us make Christmas a little brighter for a lonely older person.
Imagine having nobody to pull a cracker with. No one to exchange a gift and share a hug with. Not a single soul to wish you a Merry Christmas. Sadly, for millions of older people this is a heart-breaking reality.
“I can go a week without speaking to anyone at all. I just ignored Christmas last year.” – Terry, 97
For many older people, the festive period can be the loneliest and darkest time of year. In fact, 1.5 million older people feel lonelier at Christmas than any other time of year. It’s difficult to imagine so many of our older generation are suffering in silence with no one to talk to.
“Christmas, for me, is like being in a lockdown. Nobody writes. Nobody calls. Nobody even sent me a card last year.” – Michael, 71
Thankfully, for people like Terry, Michael and Connie, Age UK is here to help. Our Telephone Friendship Service has matched them each with a new friend who calls every week for a chat. Helping make their days a little brighter all year round.
“I look forward to Hayley’s calls – I even find myself making notes in the week of things I must tell her about.” – Connie, 94
We are determined to answer every call for help we can. But with more and more older people struggling with loneliness – we can’t do it alone. Will you help us show our older generation they haven’t been forgotten and make Christmas a little brighter for a lonely older person?
Your donation could help make sure our vital services are there for older people in their darkest hours.
For many older people, talking to Age UK really is their only bright spot during this difficult time of year. Your vital gift today could help make sure that no one has no one this Christmas.
1 million
1 million older people will be eating dinner alone on Christmas Day
3.5 million
Almost 3.5 million older people are not looking forward to Christmas
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.
