1.5 Million Older People Will Be Eating Dinner Alone On Christmas Day
More than 1.5 million older people across the UK will spend Christmas alone, according to charity Age UK.
Polling of more than 2,600 people aged 65 and over suggested 11% will eat dinner alone on December 25, while 5% will not see or speak to anyone during the entire day.
As part of its recently launched campaign – A Crisis Hiding in Plain Sight – the Charity is urging everyone who can to donate to its winter campaign so that it can continue supporting older people when they need it most.
Loneliness and social isolation are issues all year, but winter, and Christmas especially, can be particularly tough. With routine services winding down, shops closing early or shutting completely, colder weather, shorter days and changes in people’s health, it becomes harder for many to sustain social connections, whether they celebrate Christmas or not.
Often painted as a season of joy, togetherness, and non-stop celebrations, Christmas is known for family feasts, childhood magic, and friendly reunions. Yet Age UK’s new research highlights the stark reality of just how lonely this time of year is for older people:
- One in two (6.3 million) say they don’t feel the joy they once felt at Christmas time
- One in three (4 million) won’t be putting up a Christmas tree
- One in five (2.6 million) say they miss the sound of laughter at Christmas time
- 1 million are more isolated at Christmas than any other time of the year
The outlook for older people doesn’t get much brighter on Christmas Day either:
- 5 million will be eating dinner alone
- 760,000 won’t bother getting dressed
- 670,000 won’t see or speak to anyone
Age UK’s research also delves into the reasons why older people are often overlooked at Christmas. Sadly, many young and midlife adults assume older people are too fragile to get involved or that they prefer peace and quiet. While for some it may be a restful time of solitude, this isn’t the case for every older person, in fact Christmas can be one of the most important times of the year to make sure those in later life feel included and valued.
Many people aged 18-64 also said they feel that being around older people forces others to think about their own ageing. It’s no secret that getting older brings lots of challenges, both physically and emotionally, and this time of year can exacerbate those experiences. For 11 million older people, Christmas is a sad reminder of fond memories and 5.9 million find it difficult due to remembering loved ones who have passed away.
Paul Farmer, CEO at Age UK, said:
“We know that the feeling of joy, companionship and belonging that our national services and local Age UKs provide is truly life-changing for so many older people at this time of year.
“For instance, half of the older population (6.8 million) hope to receive a call from someone on Christmas Day, and one in five (2.3 million) feel comforted knowing there are helplines available if they need a chat or some support over the festive period. This is why it’s never been more important to donate to Age UK – funds raised help us continue our vital work tackling loneliness and being there for those who have no one else to turn to.
“Your donation could bring comfort, friendship, and care to an older person facing loneliness this winter. From friendly weekly calls to local lunch clubs, we’re here to make sure no one spends winter alone. But we can’t do it without you. Help us tackle the loneliness you don’t see. Donate today.”
Dame Judi Dench, Age UK ambassador, adds:
“Christmas is meant to be a time of light, warmth and being together. Yet for so many older people, it can be a time of silence – days without conversation or company.
“That’s why I’m proud to support Age UK this Christmas. With your help, they can bring a meaningful connection to older people. They work locally and nationally to give comfort and support where it’s needed most. Let’s act now and support Age UK and help make this winter a little better for those who are spending it alone.”
To donate to Age UK’s A Crisis in Plain Sight campaign, please visit: www.ageuk.org.uk/appeal.
