1 in 10 Over 60s Face Christmas Alone

One in 10 adults aged 60-plus don’t think they will talk to anyone at all this festive period.

A poll of 1,000 people over 60 found that for 17 per cent, there were days during the 2023 festive period when they didn’t speak to a single soul.

During that two-and-a-half-week spell – December 15th to January 1st – 15 per cent say they ‘got used’ to not talking.

With 42 per cent of these struggling mentally as a result.

As such, 79 per cent will rely on TV and radio for company and 29 per cent will depend on their pets.

While one in 10 say they’ve even gone to the supermarket just to speak to the staff and other shoppers.

The research was commissioned by Asda, which is launching its Chatty Café’s initiative this Christmas, encouraging over 60s to get together and strike up a conversation with others over a Winter Warmer – a bowl of soup, a roll and a hot drink.

Larry Lamb, who has teamed with the supermarket, said: “I’m very fortunate to be surrounded by friends and family this time of year, but that’s not the case for everyone, and it’s so important that we all club together and help combat loneliness.

“It’s heartbreaking to think that so many over 60’s in Britain might not speak to anyone at all over the extended Christmas period.

“We’re going all out to bring people in this Christmas and make them feel seen and heard and spread a little Christmas joy.

“I’d urge everyone to do the same. If there’s somebody, anybody – young or old – who you know is going to be struggling for company this Christmas, pick up the phone or go and pay them a visit.”

The study also found nearly a quarter (23 per cent) of over 60s have family members they might expect to hear from on Christmas Day – but probably won’t.

And 24 per cent go as far as to say December 25th is just another day for them, rather than being something special

The new initiative has been designed to offer support to the 16 per cent of over 60s who say this is the loneliest they’ve been in their lifetime.

More than three in 10 (31 per cent) also believe even with lots of friends, it’s still possible to experience loneliness.

Just under a fifth (18 per cent) think living in the digital age has had an influence on being lonely, and 11 per cent wish loved ones checked in on them more.

Four in 10 (43 per cent) also believe it’s harder to find people to socialise with as you age, according to the OnePoll.comfigures.

David Hills, chief customer officer of the supermarket, said: “We really care about our customers and the communities we serve, and as such are investing close to £1m this Christmas alongside the Asda Foundation to help combat loneliness and isolation in the elder generation.

“We’re pledging to bring people together this festive season and encouraging people across the nation to check in with the elderly in their communities this Christmas.”