Help prevent half a million older people spending Christmas Day alone this year

20/12/2011

Christmas is about spending time with family and friends but over half a million older people spent Christmas Day alone last year* according to new figures released today by Age UK. As part of its annual Spread the Warmth campaign, Age UK is urging people to make a difference this Christmas and spread a little cheer by making an effort to visit older relatives and neighbours they know during the festive period.

Living in isolation and loneliness is a stark reality for many older people all year round, not just at Christmas time, with nearly one million over 65 year olds only seeing close friends or family once a month or less*. Age UK’s Spread the Warmth campaign aims to provide information, advice and practical services to help older people keep warm and well in the colder winter months, preventing many thousands from being left isolated and alone.

Everyone can get involved in the Spread the Warmth campaign this winter. Older people and their families can get in touch with Age UK to see how the charity could help someone who may be feeling lonely at this (or any) time of year by calling Age UK Advice for free on 0800 169 65 65. People can offer their time at a local Age UK in their area helping to provide a range of services for older people from befriending to lunch clubs and day centre activities, all vital services for those who might be isolated or lonely and which regularly need the support of volunteers.

People can also donate their unloved coats for Age UK’s Donate a Coat initiative. By simply dropping their coats into one of Age UK’s 450+ high street shops they can help raise funds for the Spread the Warmth campaign or simply make a cash donation by calling 0800 169 87 87 or visiting www.spreadthewarmth.org.uk

Helena Herklots, Services Director at Age UK, said: “Christmas is a time for giving and sharing love and friendship. By popping in to check on an older neighbour we know and by making time for older relatives we can all help to make sure that everyone has a happy and warm Christmas. No one should be lonely at Christmas.”

Age UK has launched its Spread the Warmth campaign as too many older people are suffering and dying needlessly in winter because of the effects of cold weather. The Charity and its local and national partners are aiming to make winter warmer for 360,000 older people this year. Services Age UK offers include getting warm and nutritious meals to older people, helping to keep homes warm, and giving free information and advice 365 days a year.