A THIRD of people over 65 in Yorkshire are not looking forward to Christmas, according to new research.
A survey commissioned as part of Age UK’s Spread the Warmth campaign reveals that for 34% Christmas offers little cheer.
Isolation and loneliness is a huge issue affecting many older people across the country and can be felt particularly hard during the difficult winter months, according to the charity.
Three million people across the country have said they are not looking forward to Christmas this year.
When asked why 18% (540,000) said it was because they were going to be on their own and 28% (840,000) said that Christmas brought back too many memories of those who had passed away.
More than 400,000 people over 65 stated that being lonely over the Christmas period was their main concern and 2.1 million people (over a fifth) were worried about not being able to get out and about as much because of shorter, darker days and poor weather conditions.
Michelle Mitchell, charity director general of Age UK, said: “Living in isolation and loneliness is a stark reality for too many people in later life living in Yorkshire and the Humber.
“We know that not being able to get out of the house and socialise with others is linked to feelings of isolation.”
Age UK’s Spread the Warmth campaign aims to tackle not only the physical but also the emotional issues faced by older people during winter.
“We’re calling on everyone to do their bit to help lessen the impact of winter for older people this year,” she said.
“There is something simple that everyone can do from popping in to check on an older neighbour or relative to making a donation. Visit www.spreadthewarmth.org.uk to find out how you really can change someone’s Christmas.”
