The most lonely time of the year
While many people are looking forward to Christmas with excitement and festivity, 140,000 older people in Scotland claimed Christmas Day as the hardest day of the year. They have no one to talk to, give presents to, or enjoy a Christmas dinner with.
I dread the run up to Christmas. People are nice and say Merry Christmas and ask about what I’m doing, but I don’t have anything to do.
Hazel, 69
Hazel from Dumbarton, describes the challenging loneliness Christmas time brings, seeing other people's families and festivities. She has no one to decorate for or have Christmas dinner with, so she usually just ends up watching something on TV, with a meal for one.
It is because of older people like Hazel that Age Scotland offers friendship calls that mean a chat, support, and a listening ear. For a lot of older people in Scotland, Age Scotland's friendship call on Christmas Day means breaking the day-long silence and having someone to share a laugh with.
Getting a friendship call on Christmas Day is just brilliant. Otherwise I wouldn’t speak to anyone all day.
Hazel
Donate to Age Scotland today to help us break the silence for more older people across Scotland this Christmas.
Please make a donation today and help Age Scotland offer friendship to more lonely older people like Hazel this Christmas. You can donate online* above, or if you prefer, you may do so over the telephone. Please call us on 03330 15 14 60, and we can assist you with your donation or setting up a regular gift. Our lines are open from 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday.
*A small fee applies to online transactions. Age Scotland provides a range of services, and your gift will go where the need is greatest.