Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 08:30 - 19:00 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
09 December 2016 08:05
Many older people feel lonely at Christmas
Do you have any older relatives or neighbours who are likely to be alone over Christmas?
Perhaps it's worth considering popping in to say 'hello'?
So suggests charity Age UK as it reveals that nearly a million (982,200) people aged 60 and above admit to feeling lonelier at Christmas time.
Around two-thirds thought that regular visits from a 'friendly face' would help, while around 50% thought a weekly phone call would be an advantage. Older people visiting family abroad over Christmas can arrange seniors travel insurance.
Age UK wants to raise awareness of the loneliness problem, and has worked with actor James Bolam as part of its No One Should Have No One at Christmas campaign.
Bolam, who played Terry Collier in the 70s sitcom Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads, lends his voice to the story of Roy - an 83-year-old whose wife recently died.
Roy said: "My beautiful wife passed away one year ago and not a day goes by when I don't miss her dearly. It takes some getting used to, going from spending every single day for the past 55 years with the woman I love, to facing each day without her."
He explained how volunteers from Age UK have helped him. Roy has a weekly call and visit, and says he's "feeling much more confident and positive now".
"Joining Age UK's befriending service has been a great help," Roy adds. "I hit it off splendidly with the volunteers I was matched with... and (I) would urge anybody who is feeling lonely and missing their loved ones this Christmas to sign up for this service."
Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, called on family, friends and neighbours to help make a difference to older people's lives. She said: "A simple phone call or visit, particularly at this time of year when feelings of loneliness can feel especially raw, can really lift the spirits of someone who is going through a difficult time."
19 September 2019
Who invented rugby? Ahead of the greatest rugby competition in the world, we take a look at how the game spread around the globe...
[more...]
09 September 2019
What's the best place for a city break this September? Here are some of our favourite weekend destinations for a European getaway.
What's the best island to visit in Europe? Take a look at some of our top tips off the beaten track and find your very own island paradise...
02 September 2019
If you're visiting the Land of the Rising Sun for the rugby, here's everything you need to know about the World Cup's host cities...
Not ready to wave goodbye to summer? Discover our top European destinations for last-minute summer sun...
Already stressing about that 8-hour flight? Make your journey more comfortable with our top tips for flying long-haul.
Heading on holiday to Japan? Get the most out of your trip to Tokyo with these must-see places in the Japanese capital.
Are you going on holiday to Japan? Get the most out of your trip by discovering these alternative, off-the-beaten-track destinations that will show you a different side to the Land of the Rising Sun.
21 August 2019
Travelling to Japan to watch the rugby? Here's everything you need to know about visiting the land of the rising sun, from payment methods to convenience store drinking!
Ready to experience the drama of rugby's greatest competition? Here's our guide to getting close to the action with a trip to magical Japan.
08 August 2019
Looking to travel back in time? Walk in the footsteps of Zeus and Apollo as you explore some of Greece's most iconic historical sites.
Want to explore off the beaten track? Discover your new Grecian paradise in one of these secluded island locations...