While Christmas can heighten feelings of loneliness, it is an all-year-round battle for many older people

By Victoria Lloyd, Chief Executive, Age Cymru 

The Age Cymru Partnership released new research this week highlighting just how lonely and isolating life is for thousands of older people across Wales, especially during the festive season. 

According to our research nearly 85,000 people aged 65 or over in Wales say they will eat Christmas dinner alone this year.  

More than 112,000 older people, equivalent to more than one in six, say Christmas Day is their hardest day of the year. While nearly one in five (18%) said they wish they had someone to spend time with at Christmas.  

Loneliness; an all-year-round challenge for many older people 

However, loneliness is a year-round issue, and the causes can be complex.  For some it may be the result of their loved ones having passed away, others may have become housebound due to ill health, or perhaps their family and friends have moved away. 

Sadly, loneliness has been made worse by issues way beyond our individual control. Access to health care is becoming increasingly difficult, meaning that some older people find it difficult to leave their homes due to unnecessary deterioration in their health.  

And if they are fortunate enough to get the treatment they need, many older people are experiencing long waits to have their care assessed, which for some leads to extended stays in hospital and others returning home without vital support. 

Cuts to public bus services have further reduced opportunities for older people to access their communities. While the cost-of-living crisis has forced many older people to cut back on social activities as they try to budget on low fixed incomes. The pandemic has also left its mark as many have lost their confidence to re-integrate into their communities.   

So, what are the solutions? 

We know that public services are stretched. We want to see older people waiting for treatment supported with advice on issues like pain management to help them live a better quality of life. We support measures that encourage more people into the care sector to help nlder people get the care they need.   

We are encouraging older people to claim all their entitlements to help with increased cost pressures. More than £200m worth of pension credit goes unclaimed in Wales each year and so we urge people to make a claim, even if they’ve been unsuccessful in the past. 

We’d also like the Westminster Government to support older people with their energy bills so they can plan the next few months with a degree of confidence.  

Be a good neighbour 

One thing we can all do is be a good neighbour.  Whether it's just a wave, a smile, or a Christmas card, such gestures can make a huge difference.  Even better, leave a note through their door with your telephone number so the older person can call you if they need anything in an emergency. 

For more information call 0300 303 44 98 (charged at a local rate) Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm or visit www.agecymru.org.uk.  

You may also donate to support our work: Visit www.agecymru.org.uk/christmas or call 0300 303 44 98.

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