Many older people will experience a cold Christmas this year, not only struggling to cope with escalating heating costs, fuel allowance cuts and the tough winter predicted, but by the absence of human company as people say they are too busy to include them in their plans.

A lack of human warmth will be the real problem facing half a million* older people this winter, new research by Friends of the Elderly reveals today.

As 500,000 older people prepare to spend Christmas alone this year*, the charity has found that the pace of 21st century life for younger generations is leaving older people isolated and at risk of serious problems.

No time for older people

In the poll of 2,000* adults aged 16-65 which asked about attitudes towards older people, nearly one in four admitted they won’t be including any elderly relatives, neighbours or community members in their seasonal celebrations and activities.

When asked what prevents them from visiting the elderly, 44 per cent said that they don’t have enough time, while nearly a quarter say they ‘don’t seem to ever get round to it’. A further 13 per cent say they simply don’t want to, while 11 per cent believed the older people around them received plenty of visits already.

Just 13 per cent say they would consider having a lonely older person that would otherwise spend Christmas Day alone share the day with them, despite 68 per cent of people saying the worst thing they could imagine at Christmas would be to be alone.

Christmas is a time for shopping, not charity

True Christmas spirit seems to have deserted Britain: while 45 per cent believe isolation to be the greatest problem facing the elderly and 43 per cent say they feel guilty for not doing more, few would take action to combat isolation on their doorstep.

Even though 43 per cent of people say they find interacting with the elderly enjoyable, more people would rather volunteer with animals (28 per cent) than the elderly (26 per cent).

When asked what they felt the meaning of Christmas was, 60 per cent of people said they believed spending quality time with family and friends to be the true meaning of Christmas. However, more people cited it as a time for shopping (9 per cent) than as a time to help others (just 1 per cent).11 per cent cited the birth of Christ.

“The effects of isolation on older people - including loneliness, depression, feelings of low self-worth, poor health and diet - can be devastating, with isolated individuals being less likely to obtain the services they need or seek help.

We understand that people are incredibly busy today, and especially at Christmas, but we urge people to get more involved with the older people around them – and not just at Christmas.

Small things such as simply checking in on an older neighbour regularly, popping a card through their door or having a chat with an older person at the shops is enjoyable for both young and older people, only takes a moment and can make a real difference. Rather than leave it to the few, if we all do a little bit then a lot will get done! ”

Older people more isolated than ever

Isolation is a year-round problem for many older people, though its effects can be felt more acutely at Christmas. In general nearly a quarter of people say they are spending less time with elderly relatives, friends, neighbours and community members than before throughout the year.

65 per cent believe people care less about the elderly than they used to, while half of respondents admitted they think they need to make more effort.

Please visit the Friends of the Elderly website www.fote.org.uk/xmas for information on how you can help through volunteering services such as telephone befriending, home visiting or by donating. Donations can also be made by texting FOTE42 £4 to 70070. Full terms and conditions available on the website.

A short video commissioned by Friends of the Elderly asking people of all ages ‘What Christmas Means to Me’ highlighting the differences between what Christmas means when you are young and what it might mean to one of the 500,000 older people who will spend Christmas day alone this year is available for rights-free use. Please use the contact details below to request the video.

Friends of the Elderly has been providing residential care and community services such as day care, home support, befriending and financial grants for over 100 years, helping thousands of older people to avoid and overcome loneliness and isolation each year.