Christmas could be loneliest yet for elderly warns NI charity
Last updated 24th Nov 2020
The charity Age NI has warned this Christmas could be the loneliest yet for elderly people in Northern Ireland.
According to a survey more than four fifths of the older population here are concerned they won’t see friends and family over the festive period.
The research also reveals that almost one in four (23%) of those surveyed are most worried about being lonely this Christmas, with almost two million older people across the United Kingdom expecting to feel lonely.
Derek is 87 and lives in Belfast, he joined an Age NI online wellbeing group and is featuring in the charity’s No one should have no one campaign.
Up until the pandemic hit in March this year, he was keeping fit and active by going out for food during the week and had joined a Tai Chi class.
He had just sold the family home and moved to an apartment when the first lockdown happened.
COVID-19 hit Derek at the worst time after the death of his wife.
The couple had been married for 61 years.
He said: “I was starting a new life in an apartment of my own, without all the memories of my wife.
“I had taken up Tai Chi, which is a beautiful activity for gentle movement and a slower pace like my own.
“The class was full of older people like me - it was great fun.
“When the lockdown hit, it was just cancelled.
“It was the same for a club I joined which met once a week - it just stopped.
“This is where the lockdown hit and it’s not just me, it’s everybody.
“I had picked an apartment which was close to cafes and an M&S store - I’m not much good in the kitchen so it has what I need and they’re really good at looking after the older customers.
“We are heading into what could potentially be the loneliest time ever experienced by many older people."
“I would have eaten out in a café or restaurant a couple of times a week - nothing lavish - but a decent meal I didn’t have to prepare.
“Again, that was shut down. So, I was in the house seven days a week, cooking for myself.
“It was hard.
“I find it nearly crippling. It’s the silence. You wake up in the morning and you have to say to yourself, get up, you have to force yourself. You’ve got to keep slugging away.”
“The wellbeing group is fine, yes. I am going to volunteer and see what I can do for others.
“I need something to fill my time.”
Derek continued: “My wife and I always thought young - we never thought old.
“We were very close; we lived together and did everything together for 61 years.
“It’s a big gap in my life now. I turn to say something and there’s nobody there. I find it very hard.”
Linda Robinson the Chief Executive of Age NI said that the Coronavirus pandemic has been incredibly challenging for the older population and warns there is a danger it could get worse.
She said: “We are heading into what could potentially be the loneliest time ever experienced by many older people.
“This year, more than ever, no one should have no one at Christmas.
“The survey results are upsetting, but sadly, not surprising.
“Lockdown and the measures older people are taking to keep themselves and their friends and families safe are having a heart-breaking impact.
“We are very grateful to people like Derek who share their experience to give others some insight into what this “new normal” looks and feels like.”
To support Age NI’s No one should have no one campaign, click here.
Anyone who needs support, or is worried about an older relative or friend or wants to find out more about Age NI’s Check In and Chat Service can get in touch by calling the Age NI Advice Line free on 0808 808 7575 (9am-5pm Mon-Fri)