Being Mindful at Christmas
More than 2 million older people wish they had someone to spend time with at Christmas, according to the latest research from Age UK.
Whilst many of us enjoy the festive period, there are also many for whom it can be a very lonely time or a time of hardship. The latest research from Age UK serves as an important reminder for all of us to think of others while we are celebrating and maybe pop in to check on neighbours who may be alone or pick up the phone to friends or relatives who don’t have many family members. For those wanting to do more, you can visit the Age UK website to find out how you can help make Christmas a little brighter for a lonely older person.
We manage over 155 independent living estates in the UK, so we are very mindful of the loneliness and isolation older people can feel at this time of year. Not all our residents have an abundance of family around them but the one thing many of them have in common is access to a community of like-minded people they can socialise with as much or as little as they wish.
Not only at Christmas but throughout the year, our Estate Managers support and encourage residents to take part in social activities which is one of the major benefits of living within a retirement community. Most of our estates hold gatherings for special occasions throughout the year as well holding a range of weekly social events and celebrations for special birthdays. There are also allotment groups and gardening enthusiasts who take a special interest in keeping our communal grounds looking spectacular.
It’s never too late for old hobbies to be revisited or new ones to be created so it’s incredibly heart-warming to see our residents taking part in a diverse range of social activities which can help combat feelings of isolation and have a positive impact on their general wellbeing, whether that’s chair aerobics, a ‘crafternoon’ session or a morning of bingo.
We also actively encourage residents to get involved with local events taking place in their communities through a range of organisations and charities across the country. One initiative we've focussed on this year is One Day at Christmas - a charity event run by the UK events industry to create a wonderful and special Christmas day experience for lonely people who would not otherwise have that opportunity. We signposted residents to the local events that were taking place across the UK.
For more information on this, visit One Day at Christmas where you can keep an eye out for next year's events and how to register.
From all of us at ELM Group, we are wishing you a merry month and, for anyone feeling isolated during this time or concerned for a friend or loved one, remember there is support available. Here are some of the main organisations offering support throughout the year, as well as during the festive period:
The Silver Line provides a helpline for older people, available 24 hours a day, every day of the year: 0800 470 80 90.
Age UK & Silver Line telephone friendship service – a free service for those looking for someone to speak to regularly from the comfort of their own home.
Mind offers an information and signposting service and is open between 9am and 6pm until the 24 December. Helplines will be closed on 27 and 28 December and 3 January. For urgent assistance you can click the ‘Get help now’ button on the website. Infoline: 0300 123 3393 | Email: info@mind.org.uk.
Samaritans’ helpline is available any time of day or night, any day of the year, including Christmas Day. Call 116 123.
Shout is a free, confidential text messaging support service for anyone struggling to cope. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258.