While Christmas is often associated with fond memories, family and laughter, many don’t have anybody with whom to share the joy of the festive period.
As the days get shorter and the nights get darker, winter can be one of the loneliest times of the year for vulnerable and elderly people who face social isolation.
This year is expected to be particularly challenging for those on low-income or in poverty, as the cost of living crisis bites and many endure the colder months alone.
NHS Grampian and charities across the region are now appealing to people to check on their older neighbours and lend a helping hand where they can.
One of the groups to join this year’s drive to tackle loneliness and social isolation is Age Scotland, which aims to make communities better places for the elderly.
Michelle Supple, interim chief executive at charity, fears this winter will have a “devastating toll” on older people’s physical and mental health.
She said: “The increasing cost of living and rocketing energy bills are causing high levels of concern and desperation, particularly for the extraordinary numbers of older people on low income or in poverty.
“Older people can become isolated at this time of year if it gets too cold or dangerous to leave their home, particularly in snowy or icy conditions. Cold homes can also make older people very ill, with heart and lung conditions becoming worse.
“Now, more than ever, older people need our help, and we believe no one should face this challenging winter alone.”
Making a huge difference
Age Scotland runs a national helpline where people can get free, confidential advice, and be signposted to available support about how to stay well in winter.
The charity’s advisers also carry out free benefit entitlement checks for older people, while also offering a friendly chat to those who need some company.
Meanwhile, volunteers at Linking Lives provide a befriending service for adults in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire to ensure nobody is lonely during this season.
NHS Grampian chairwoman Alison Evison added there are many ways the public can support elderly people and alleviate some of their hardships.
She said: “Helping people safely through winter in your local neighbourhood can be as simple as offering to collect supplies from your local shop when you’re going there anyway, keeping an eye on the weather forecast and spreading grit or clearing a driveway path for an elderly neighbour when it snows.
“Preventing just one person from going without, falling or feeling isolated not only makes a huge difference to the individual and their family but also helps our health and social care teams who continue to go the extra mile during a particularly busy time for the sector.”
Conversation