Nearly 110,000 older people in Scotland will eat Christmas dinner alone
It’s the most wonderful time of the year for many – but the loneliest for around 184,000 older people in Scotland.
New research from Age Scotland shows the extent of the country’s loneliness epidemic, and how it can be most acute during the festive season.
The charity is launching its No One Should Have No One campaign with sister charity Age UK, to shine a light on how tough this time of year can be for many older people, especially if they are on their own having lost their partner. While most of us are looking forward to celebrating with loved ones, one in 10 over-65s in Scotland (around 106,000) say they will eat dinner alone on Christmas Day.
One in six older people (around 184,000) agreed that they often feel more lonely at Christmas than at any time of year.
Almost one in four (23 per cent) said they were not looking forward to Christmas this year. The main reason was “it brings back too many memories of people who have passed away and happier times” (32 per cent). Twelve per cent cent said they would be alone, while 11 per cent said they had no one to spend the holiday with.
The older people get, the less likely they are to look forward to Christmas, with 28 per cent of those aged 80 or over nationwide saying they were not looking forward to the holiday this year. This group is most likely to be widowed or live alone.
The overwhelming majority of respondents (84 per cent) agreed that Christmas could be the toughest time of year after losing someone they loved. Seventy-fourper cent thought it was the hardest time for someone to be on their own.
The research was carried out by Kantar for Age Scotland and its sister charity, Age UK.
Studies show that loneliness increases the risk of death by 10 per cent, and is as bad as a 15-a-day smoking habit. It can exacerbate heart disease, blood clots and cancer, harms mental health and doubles the risk of developing dementia.
Previous research by Age Scotland (2017) found that around 60,000 older people in Scotland would spend Christmas Day alone.
Brian Sloan, Chief Executive of Age Scotland, said: “We’re told Christmas is the most wonderful time of year, but it can also be the loneliest for tens of thousands of older people in Scotland. While most of us are looking forward to celebrating with friends and family, it’s sobering to think of almost 110,000 older people sitting down to dinner alone on Christmas Day.
“Our new research shows the heart-breaking extent of Scotland’s loneliness epidemic, which can be especially acute at this time of year. For those who have lost a loved one, there’s no doubt this is the toughest time. Older people tell us they are dreading December 25th as it brings back too many memories of happy times and those who have passed away.
“Loneliness and isolation can be hidden problems, but we estimate there’s at least one chronically lonely older person on every street in Scotland. There is still a stigma about loneliness that prevents people asking for help. This is taking a huge toll on their mental and physical health, with studies showing it increases their risk of heart attacks, strokes, and developing dementia.
“It’s easy to feel helpless when faced with the scale of this problem. But we know there is some great work going on by groups around Scotland, with volunteers giving up their time to reach out to those on their own.
“We’re also urging everyone to take a little time out from the pre-Christmas rush, and think of older friends, relatives or neighbours who might be feeling lonely. As days draw in and the weather gets colder, it can be harder than usual for many older people to get out. Something as simple as a friendly chat, a card, or popping round for a cup of tea and a mince pie could really brighten someone’s day."
Age Scotland's Helpline offers free help and support to all older people in Scotland, while its Community Connecting service puts them in touch with groups that fit their interests in their communities. Call 0800 12 44 222.
