Thousands of older people are spending these cold dark days of winter alone, with only their worries for company. It’s no wonder so many older people are now saying ‘I don’t know how much longer I can cope.’
That's more than 80,000 people. During the pandemic in 2020, 2.2 million people aged 60 and over had their wellbeing affected because they had no one to talk to about their worries.
84-year-old Bridgit is just one of hundreds of thousands of vulnerable older people trying to cope during the hardest winter in living memory. She's always been an independent person but the coronavirus crisis has robbed her of her freedom, forcing her to spend day after day alone in her home.
"Now that I cannot go out, it’s really brought my spirits down. When will it end? This isn’t living."
By making a donation today you could help transform the lives of vulnerable older people like Bridgit.
Our Age UK Advice Line and telephone friendship services are providing a lifeline for older people like Bridgit this winter. Bridgit says: "Age UK is important. They give people a lot of information and reach out to people when they need help."
In the depths of what, for many, may be their hardest winter ever, you could make sure that older people have someone they can turn to – someone who will soothe their fears and give them support. Someone who cares. Thank you.
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.