Age UK launch Christmas isolation campaign
The charity say three in five older people in our region expect to not see anyone over Christmas
Three in five older people in the East of England are worried they won't see friends and family this Christmas according to Age UK.
New findings show the public has stepped up to support older people through the pandemic, and the charity is calling on people keep the support going through the winter.
Their findings show around 161,000 older people in the East of England are expecting to feel lonely this Christmas.
The charity has launched their 'No one should have no one' campaign, which is asking for urgent donations so it can be there for every older person who will be facing a challenging time alone.
After beginning to feel lonely, Marjorie joined Age UK's Telephone Friendship Service. "As you might imagine, at 98, it is lonely on your own. When you've been like me, being very independent throughout my life, the loneliness is like a nothingness. I just miss my life. Thinking about the people I knew at school, I think I'm the only one around now. All my old friends and work colleagues in the WAF have been gone ages. People move away, and then they die.
"During lockdown, I didn't get to see anyone, we couldn't have visitors, and I had to stay in my flat. Because of the virus, I haven't been out for over six months, I don't get up to a lot. I'm going blind, and my hearing has been very bad, so I can't watch the TV, I can't read or write. I used to like cooking and gardening, but I can't do either of them. I enjoy listening to talking books from the library. I normally just go to bed and listen to them there because it's more comfortable.
"I always tell people I'd like to go to sleep on Christmas eve and not wake up until New Year’s Day and miss the whole thing. In previous years I've been invited out to various Christmas lunches, but this means I celebrate early and I'm alone on Christmas Day. This year I'll take Christmas as it comes, I don't have any plans, but Christmas without friends is no fun.
"I really enjoy the Age UK telephone calls. It is something I look forward to because there is a friendship there - I get on with them very well and it does give me a lift, especially when you're on your own. It's like having someone else in the room with me. I imagine us there together having a chat. It means a lot that Age UK are there for me when I need them."