Many older people living alone will see Christmas as 'just another day', research shows

ITV Granada Reports journalist Ellis Nordhoff has been to two Age UK spaces where people can go for some company at Christmas time.

Christmas is normally a time for decorations and celebrations, but for lots of older people it is going to be very different.

It is a time of year which can feel more lonely than ever for people living on their own.

Research from Age UK Lancashire says that 210,000 people will see Christmas as "just like any other day".

Community spaces around the North West are doing what they can to help get people out of their homes and create opportunities for social interaction.

Age UK Lancashire Day club host activities and social events at their centre in Nelson.

Men and women over 65 can attend the club to provide respite for their carers and enjoy some much-needed company.

Members have been able to experience a Christmas-themed day, singing songs and even enjoying a Christmas dinner.

For some of them, it is the only chance to socialise in their entire week.

Ann Burnett, 84, became a member this year and enjoyed her first Christmas at the club.

She said: "But for coming here, I'd have nothing else to do.

"I'm in the house all the time at home because I don't get out.

"Coming here makes a big difference to my life."

Figures from Age UK Lancashire have found that 320,000 of all over 65s in the North West won’t be putting up decorations at all this year. 150,000 will be eating dinner alone on Christmas Day.

Member of Age UK Lancashire Day Club Ann Burnett said she loves spending time at the club.

And it is not just the day club in Nelson who are helping to combat loneliness this Christmas, Men in Sheds is offering a safe space for men to open up and have a chat in Failsworth near Oldham.

The space is run by Age UK Oldham and is available for men to do woodwork, work on projects and catch up with other men of a similar age.

Men above the age of 50 can join the group, with the oldest member being 93-years-old.

Many of the members come from trade backgrounds such as joiners and car mechanics.

One of their biggest projects is a model railway, which has been built by members over the past three years.

The goal is for the men to open up about their struggles in a safe environment.

Members complete regular surveys to assess their wellbeing so staff can keep track of their progress.

Manager John Scholes said men prefer talking "shoulder to shoulder" rather than face to face, as it is less intimidating.

He said: "If they're immersed in a task and you’re talking shoulder to shoulder, they are more likely to open up to you and tell you about their problems.

"Because of that, we can signpost them to different services that Age UK can provide, or other professionals in the community."

Manager John Scholes says that Men in Sheds is a great place to go for men who are feeling lonely.

Age UK offers a variety of services to support older people across the North West.

You can find out more about what they offer on their website.

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