People in Scotland are being encouraged to look out for their elderly neighbours, friends and relatives over the Christmas period. Social Security Minister Jeane Freeman has sent out a Christmas message, asking everyone in Scotland to remember to include older people in their festive plans.
Ms Freeman met more than 80 older people and 20 volunteers when she visited Nan McKay Hall in Pollokshields for their annual Christmas lunch yesterday. Run in partnership with Age Scotland and Southside Housing Association, the lunch brings people together for food and companionship in the run up to Christmas.
Ms Freeman, who has portfolio responsibility for older people, said: “For most of us, Christmas is a time we look forward to – when we enjoy the company of our family and friends. Unfortunately for some people though, Christmas can be lonely.
“That is why I would urge people across the country to remember the older people in their neighbourhoods and communities and check in on them over the festive period and beyond.
“A simple action such as a having a quick cup of tea with an elderly neighbour can make a huge difference to alleviate loneliness and isolation experienced by people at this time of year.
“Events like this one are happening across the country throughout the year, not just over Christmas. We owe a huge thanks to the staff and volunteers who are providing this caring service for so many older people.”
Bill Lawns, Nan Mckay Community Hall Manager, said: “We bring people together at the hall 365 days a year, but at Christmas it is even more important to give older people a place to come togheter and enjoy company.
“It’s great to have the opportunity to raise awareness of the work we do, especially at this time of year. I would like to thank all our partners who make gatherings like this possible.”
Earlier this month First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also backed Age Scotland’s campaign encouraging people to support their older friends, neighbours and relatives at Christmas.
Almost sixty five thousand people in Scotland who are aged 60 or over feel lonelier at Christmas time , with bereavement, immobility and family having moved away being the main causes , according to new figures from Age Scotland. These also show that more than 54,000 older Scots will spend Christmas alone.
No one should have no one at Christmas – Age Scotland’s campaign on loneliness and isolation – is encouraging everyone to think about what they can do to address and prevent loneliness in their neighbourhoods and among their friends and families – whether that be calling in on their neighbours to see if they need a helping hand or asking local groups who support older people if they need help.
Age Scotland has welcomed a pledge from the Scottish Government to develop a national strategy to tackle loneliness in Scotland – which could be the first such plan anywhere in the world.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Dealing with loneliness and isolation can be incredibly difficult, but at this time of year it’s especially heartbreaking to see that so many older Scots will spend Christmas alone. Age Scotland’s work to ensure that ‘No one should have no one at Christmas’ is vitally important, and everyone can play a part.
“By reaching out to older people in their street or community – by taking them out, doing a good deed or simply having a chat – people can have a hugely positive impact on the wellbeing and happiness of an older person.”
Brian Sloan, Age Scotland Chief Executive, said: “It is often life events such as bereavement, ill health and complex long term health conditions such as diabetes and arthritis – all more common in later life – that give rise to feelings of loneliness and which if left unaddressed can cause long-term misery.
“As part of our No one should have no one at Christmas campaign, we’re asking people to check on older neighbours and perhaps even see if they need a helping hand. Small gestures, like going round for a cuppa, or clearing paths of snow or ice and showing you are concerned, can provide comfort and aid to older people.
“Our national Freephone telephone helpline – 0800 12 44 222 – available for older people, their families and carers, offers friendship and contact as well as information and advice. We’d like to encourage people to get in touch, particularly over the winter months, and have a chat with our team of friendly advisers.”
“Age Scotland has made tackling loneliness one of our strategic priorities. Following a ground-breaking parliamentary inquiry last year, we welcomed the Scottish Government’s commitment to create a national strategy to tackle social isolation, which could be the first worldwide. We now look forward to seeing this commitment realised in the months ahead.”
Find out more about Age Scotland’s campaign – ‘No one should have no one at Christmas’
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