Lonely older people at Christmas

Age UK's new research reveals just how lonely Christmas is for older people in the North East as part of its new campaign

To support the launch of Age UK North Tyneside’s Christmas campaign, Together, we're not alone, the Charity has released some heartbreaking new statistics [i] that show just how tough this Christmas will be - 37,000 older people in the North East will be lonely this Christmas. Age UK North Tyneside is calling for urgent donations from the public to change the lives of lonely older people during Christmas and throughout the year.

Loneliness and social isolation are year-round problems but winter, and Christmas especially, can be particularly tough – 34,000 older people in the North East say they are more isolated at Christmas than any other time of the year. Routine public services winding down, shops closing early or shutting completely, combined with harsher weather conditions, shorter days, and changes in people’s health and wellbeing often make it harder to sustain social connections.

Whilst many enjoy celebrating festive traditions together, Age UK found that 120,000 of all over 65s in the North East won’t be putting up decorations at all this year and 79,000 will be eating dinner alone on Christmas Day. For 100,000 older people Christmas is a hard time as, for them, it feels just like any other day.

For 260,000 older people in the North East, Christmas is a hard time for them as it brings back memories of a loved one who has passed away.

John, a Befriending Volunteer said “If you become a befriender you will be more than welcome, and you will have the support of an excellent backup team. My only regret with Befriending is I didn’t discover it sooner”

Age UK’s research has found that 310,000 older people in the North East hope to receive a call from someone on Christmas Day and 170,000 older people say they feel comforted knowing there are helplines and services available if they need a chat or some support over Christmas.

Nearly 130,000 older people in the North East also rely on clubs or social groups for company all year round, according to Age UK including 35,000 at Christmas time specifically. This is why it has never been more important to donate to Age UK North Tyneside’s Together, we’re not alone campaign, as funds raised will help the Charity to continue its work in tackling loneliness amongst older people by supporting its services which are crucial for those who have no-one else to turn to.

These include:

• Our Befriending service, where you can sign up to be a telephone, face-to-face, or letter writing volunteer.
• Our Physical Activities and Social Groups, which support our mental and physical wellbeing.
• Free and confidential Information & Advice to help with financial matters, social activities, your rights and local services, alongside other factors that can affect your quality of life.

Dawn McNally, Group Chief Executive at Age UK North Tyneside said: “Our research has found that 460,000 older people in the North East think spending time with loved ones is one of the best parts of Christmas. Yet the reality is so many are facing this festive season alone.

“At Age UK North Tyneside we provide support and give advice, but sometimes just being offered a listening ear is all that’s needed to lift spirits.

“Ask yourself, could you change what you normally do this Christmas and spend more time with your older relatives, friends or neighbours – especially those who live alone? Could you send a card to show you’re thinking of them, or accompany them to one of our social events? Or could you donate to Age UK North Tyneside’s campaign so we can spread comfort, friendship and joy to older people when they need it most?”

Age UK North Tyneside can’t be there without the public’s support, which is why the Charity is calling on everybody to donate what they can this Christmas. Together, the Charity promises to help change the lives of older people. Together, we’re not alone.

To donate, please visit: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/northtyneside/get-involved/donate/

Age UK has also launched a new Loneliness Guide which features the Charity's latest information and advice on the subject as well as bringing together lived experiences from different focus groups. This can be found here: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/loneliness-guide/.

[i] Age UK calculation based on data (weighted to be representative of the UK) from Yonder online and telephone polling for Age UK, November 2024 (weighted sample of 110 people aged 65+ in the North East between 2nd and 29th October 2024) and ONS mid-year 2023 population estimates (published 8th October 2024). All statistics are drawn from this polling unless otherwise stated.