New research from Age Cymru reveals that an estimated 74, 000 people aged 65 and over, equivalent to one in ten older people in Wales, will be spending this Christmas Day on their own watching TV.
The research, which helped launch the charity’s winter fundraising campaign, also found that more than one in four, equivalent to 177,000 older people, won’t be putting up Christmas decorations this year.
The equivalent of nearly 50,000 older people said they won’t see, or speak to, anyone on Christmas Day while an estimated 40,000 older people in Wales said they have no-one to exchange presents or cards with this Christmas.
In stark contrast, the equivalent of more than half a million older people, more than three quarters of the age group, think spending time with loved ones is one of the best parts of Christmas, proving that many value companionship if it was available.
While 62% of respondents, equivalent to more than 422,000 older people, said they hope to receive a call from someone on Christmas Day.
The charity is now calling on the Welsh public to support those older people facing the festive period alone, by donating to support vital services that provide the human connection that too many older people live without.
Age Cymru’s chief executive Victoria Lloyd says “Christmas is a time for togetherness, but sadly older people feel more isolated at Christmas than any other time of year. We want to change that for as many older people as we can.
“That’s why we’re calling on everyone to come together and support the Age Cymru Partnership, so we can give comfort, friendship and joy to the older people who need it most.
“For thousands of older people in Wales who are feeling lonely, forgotten, or who have no one else to turn to for help, the Age Cymru Partnership is a lifeline. Through our advice services, we offer information and support to help tackle feelings of loneliness. Through our friendship services, we offer lonely older people connection, a listening ear, and a friendly voice. But we can’t do this alone. The Age Cymru Partnership needs your donations to bring real change for lonely older people at a time when they may otherwise feel forgotten.”
To donate or to find out more about the campaign call 029 2043 1555, email [email protected], or visit www.agecymru.wales/together.
