Together, we’re not alone: How Age UK are combatting loneliness at Christmas

Christmas is often described as “the most wonderful time of the year,” but for many older people, it can be very lonely. As families come together to celebrate, over a million older people in the UK face the festive season alone. Age UK’s “Together, we’re not alone” campaign offers connection, support and hope to older people, to help combat loneliness this Christmas.

Loneliness in later life

Loneliness can become more common as we age due to life changes such as bereavement, health issues, or mobility challenges. Many older people are also forced to cut back on social activities because of financial pressures, especially in recent years with rising household costs and the loss of the Winter Fuel Payment. All of this can make the festive season hard.

In 2023, Age UK found that nearly 1.4 million older people felt more isolated at Christmas than at any other time of year, and a similar number reported that they would eat their Christmas dinner alone. Those figures make for difficult reading, and yet it's important to acknowledge how widespread festive loneliness actually is.

Age UK’s research also reports that nearly a quarter of people over 65 (3.1 million) said that a phone call or visit from a loved one, friend, or neighbour would make their Christmas easier. A small gesture which can mean so much.

Dame Penelope Wilton, Age UK ambassador, said: “Christmas can and should be such a joyous time but, for far too many older people, it’s a period when loneliness and isolation is felt in really quite a stark way. Imagine waking up and there’s nothing and no-one.

“Thinking about this always has a real impact on me, and it's why Age UK’s role is so terribly important. So please, donate to Age UK so that they can help fill a gap, create connections where they’re so crucially needed and help older people to recapture some of the magic that Christmas brings. Let's all do our bit."

How Age UK is combatting loneliness this Christmas

Age UK works throughout the year to tackle loneliness later in life, and the festive season is when its services are needed most. Through its free services, they help older people who have no one to turn to, including:

Ted, an 89-year-old user of the Telephone Friendship Service, shared how Age UK has been a lifeline for him since the passing of his wife, Jess:
“When Jess went, it was so lonely. She was my life. I miss being able to go into a room and give her a little cuddle and a kiss. I look forward to the call with my Telephone Friend, Lisa, every week. If I’m feeling down, she takes me out of myself. It’s a lifeline, really.”

How you can make a difference

The “Together, we’re not alone” campaign reminds us that small gestures can have a big impact. As Paul Farmer, CEO of Age UK, explains:
“Sometimes it’s the smallest gesture that transforms someone’s day. Could you do something different this Christmas—spend time with older relatives, friends, or neighbours, or volunteer at a festive event hosted by your local Age UK?”

Here are some practical ways you can help this Christmas:

Share time together: Check in regularly with your older relatives, friends, and neighbours to see how they’re feeling, and find out if there’s anything they need. Invite them round for a coffee or lunch. If you’re unable to see them in person there’s still plenty you can do to show you care – for instance, a phone or video call, making homemade cards, sending letters or even small gifts.

Read and share Age UK’s new Loneliness I&A Guide: There’s lots of useful information available on the Age UK website, including the Charity’s new Loneliness I&A Guide which brings together discussions held at various focus groups and covers the topics of what loneliness is, what actions might help those feeling lonely, what to do if you know someone who is feeling lonely, how to take that next step and the ways Age UK is there to help.

Spread Awareness: For practical information and advice, encourage older people to use the Age UK Advice (0800 169 65 65), or for a cheerful chat, day or night, they can call The Silver Line Helpline (0800 4 70 80 90).

Get involved with your local Age UK: Age UK network of 120 local charities, which reach most of England and also includes Age Cymru, Age NI and Age Scotland, host a variety of social activities and groups including things like walking tennis, cooking, knitting as well as Christmas parties and lunches! You can also find out what's on in your local area.

Volunteer: Whether it’s making friendship calls, helping in charity shops, or assisting at local events, your time can make a difference.

As Dame Judi Dench, Age UK ambassador, says: "The idea of being completely alone and isolated at a time when so many people are coming together with their nearest and dearest breaks my heart. No older person should feel like they don’t have anybody to talk to which is why I’m supporting Age UK’s Together we're not alone campaign.

“Please, donate to Age UK if you can this Christmas time, so that they can be there for the older people who are feeling lonely and need to hear that friendly voice. Your donations will truly help to change lives!”

What to do if you’re feeling lonely this Christmas

If you’re feeling lonely this Christmas, remember that you’re not alone, and support is out there. Start by reaching out to someone you trust—a family member, friend, or neighbour—and let them know how you’re feeling. Sometimes, even a brief chat can make a big difference. If it isn't possible to visit loved ones in person, consider using a tablet to make video calls, or arrange times for phone calls to maintain that sense of connection.

The Silver Line Helpline (0800 4 70 80 90) is free to call, available 24/7, and offers a friendly ear whenever you need to talk. You can also join the Telephone Friendship Service, where you’ll be matched with a volunteer for weekly conversations tailored to your interests. These can help you feel more connected and supported during the festive season.

Also consider joining some social activities in your community. Local Age UK branches host events such as Christmas lunches, coffee mornings, and hobby groups, so you can meet new people and enjoy some festivities at the same time. Visit the Age UK website to discover what’s available in your area and take the first steps.

Why Age UK’s work matters

Age UK’s work is about so much more than Christmas and here at Yours, we're always in awe of the many ways in which they consistently strive to ensure every older person feels valued and included, and the steps they;'re taking to change the way society views ageing. Age UK supports older people’s health, wellbeing, and financial security in a variety of different ways.

From friendship services and exercise classes to digital inclusion programs and expert advice, Age UK offers a wealth of services and activities. They also campaign for better policies and care for older people.

Make it a Merry Christmas

This Christmas, Age UK is calling on all of us to help tackle loneliness. Whether that's by donating, volunteering, or just making contact with someone who will otherwise be alone at Christmas, your actions can make a big difference.

Dame Joanna Lumley, Age UK ambassador, said: “Christmas is such a special time for so many of us, it’s something that we plan for months in advance to make sure we have the best possible time with our loved ones, but imagine not having anybody to even say hello to? It can be such an isolating and lonely period for so many older people, but Age UK is doing everything they can to help stop this.

“Its Advice Line is there to help, as well as its Silver Line Helpline which is open every single day of the year – including Christmas Day. These are both such wonderful services for those who have no one else. If you can, please donate to support Age UK this Christmas so that they can provide that human connection that too many older people live without.”

To learn more about the “Together, we’re not alone” campaign or to donate, visit www.ageuk.org.uk.

Becky Fuller is a senior digital writer for Yours.co.uk. She is also a fully qualified personal trainer and strength coach, specialising in fitness and wellbeing for over 50s. Prior to joining Yours, Becky was a fitness writer for Saga, and a freelance entertainment and theatre journalist. Becky is passionate about helping people to move well and discover the many benefits of strength training.