Helping the elderly feel less lonely this Christmas

Almost 1.5 million older people feel lonelier at Christmas than any other time of year.

Loneliness and social isolation are year-round problems but winter, and Christmas especially, can be particularly tough.

According to Age UK, more than a million older people say they are more isolated at Christmas than any other time of the year.

With routine public services winding down, shops closing early or shutting completely, combined with shorter days, and changes in people’s health and wellbeing often make it harder to sustain social connections.

In a bid to combat loneliness and to support the general wellbeing of our customers, L&Q Living and Silver Stories - a charity that encourages primary school children to read to older people via weekly telephone calls – have joined forces to recruit ‘Silver Listeners’ across our schemes.

Our LQL resident Joyce Bowett, of Newhaven, Timperley, is one of handful of our customers who jumped at the chance to become a Silver Listener.

Joyce said:

“For many years I went to Hayes Lane School in Timperley to listen to the pupils reading, so when this opportunity of becoming a Silver Listener came along, I jumped at the chance to feel I was doing something to help others.”

Silver Stories was launched in 2015 by retired headteacher, Elizabeth Carney Haworth, and her husband David in response to concerns about the loneliness felt by older people, the importance of inter-generational relations and the wellbeing of the older generations in our communities.

Joyce, who has been linked with children from a school in the south of England, said:

“Being in my 80s now I am unable to drive, and my mobility is not as good, I miss so much doing what I’ve always enjoyed doing – helping others.”

“I love the wonderful relationships that have developed and the interaction of the generations. The children are extremely well-mannered, beautifully spoken and just delightful young people. I really enjoy our time together and definitely recommend becoming a Silver Listener. There is a real feeling of satisfaction, a real sense of doing something helpful, friendship and company.”

If you’re interested in becoming a Silver Listener, contact our Activity and Wellbeing Coordinator, Melanie Merchant – or if would like to read more about the charity and its wonderful work, visit Silver Stories.

Age UK has also launched a new Loneliness Guide which features the charity’s latest information and advice on the subject as well as bringing together lived experiences from different focus groups. Visit their site.