Nearly 200,000 older people across Scotland are lonely all or most of the time. And over 96,000 over 65 will eat Christmas dinner alone.
For many of us, Christmas is a time of warmth, love, and togetherness. But for some older people in Scotland, it can be a time of loneliness and isolation.
Anne, 84, reached out to us after her husband Alec moved into a care home last year.
‘I really don’t like being alone. My husband and I were inseparable. But now, the days feel so long and the house feels so empty. It’s hard not having someone to talk to, especially during the festive season. It’s the silence that gets to you.’
Anne's story is only one of many. Every week, we receive hundreds of calls from older people needing our help, and the demand for our services will rise over the winter months and Christmas.
With your help, we can offer support and a lifeline for more older people like Anne. Every £10 you give enables our Helpline to support an older person in need.
Donate today and you can help Age Scotland bring warmth through friendship, advice, and community to those who need it most.