200,000 older people in South West expecting to feel lonely this Christmas
Age UK says the second lockdown has created even more uncertainty
More than 200,000 older people in the South West are expecting to feel lonely this Christmas.
That's according to Age UK, which says the second national lockdown is also causing uncertainty for older people.
More than half of people aged 65 and over in the South West – around 690,000 people - are concerned that COVID-19 restrictions might mean that they cannot see family or friends this Christmas, potentially making this festive period the loneliest and scariest ever experienced for many older people.
The charity said:
"Winter is always a tough time for older people - dark nights, short days and cold, often wet weather make it harder to get outside. These challenges combined with pandemic restrictions mean that chance encounters - like catching up with neighbours on the street or friendly chats at the supermarket - are less likely right now, yet they can make a big difference to those who are almost always on their own, or feeling lonely."
Research carried out by Age UK has previously found that following months of staying inside, some older people have lost confidence in doing day-to-day activities they previously took in their stride, and are no longer taking pleasure from things they used to enjoy. With the worst of winter still very much to come and COVID-19 continuing to represent a threat to older people, the charity is worried that many will find the next few weeks and months particularly tough to navigate, especially if they are on their own.
The charity said:
"The good news from these new findings is that people have stepped up to support our older population during the pandemic, which has made a huge and much appreciated difference – nearly half of older people in the South West say they wouldn’t have got through the pandemic without their friends, highlighting the power of friendships and human connection, which older people need now more than ever before.
"However, while more than 600,000 older people in the South West have had someone call them for a chat because of their situation during the pandemic, sadly this isn’t the case for everyone. Recent ONS figures show that, across Great Britain, 2.2 million over 60s say that haven’t had anyone to talk to about their worries and sadly 2.2 million said they felt like they are a burden on others."
Age UK said there are things people can do to help:
• Keep in touch: Try to check in regularly with your older relatives, friends and neighbours to ask how they’re feeling, and find out if there’s anything they need. If you’re unable to visit in person there’s still plenty you can do to show you care – a phone or video call, try making homemade Christmas cards, letters or even small gifts.
• Lend a hand: if you’re able to, be a good neighbour by offering simple, immediate assistance to older people nearby, such as offering to pick up shopping or run errands. When you drop off any shopping knock on the door and step 2 metres back first, leave any bags on the doorstep and make sure your neighbour safely receives them. Visit www.ageuk.org.uk/neighbourly to find out about neighbourly volunteering.
• Share these numbers: for practical information and advice, Age UK Advice: 0800 169 65 65. For a cheerful chat, day or night, The Silver Line: 0800 470 80 90.
• Fundraise for Age UK: With many of us staying at home now's the chance to get involved, raise much-needed money and support vulnerable older people through the pandemic and beyond.