Loneliness and isolation at Christmas

There are few times of the year that highlight feelings of loneliness or isolation quite like Christmas. 

Everywhere you look there’s reminders that it's the time of year society expects you to be surrounded by laughing family and friends. From the Christmas movie and TV shows, to adverts and social media - it all seems to conspire to convince you that everyone else on the planet has someone to spend the holidays with or has a busier or more perfect social life than you. 

People can feel lonely or socially isolated at any time of year, of course, but figures released by the charity Age UK last year showed that a million older people in Britain felt more isolated at Christmas than any other time of year. Their study also revealed that:

• 4 million over 65s would eat Christmas dinner alone
• A quarter wouldn’t bother putting up decorations because they had no-one to enjoy them with
• Around 270,000 older people in England regularly go a week without speaking to a friend or family member

Often for these older people, factors like bereavement, ill-health and decreased mobility all play a part in their isolation. 

But loneliness is not just something that affects older people.

The Campaign to End Loneliness describes it as one of the largest public health challenges we face in this country. Its latest figures show that almost half of all adults (25.99 million people) in the UK reported feeling lonely “occasionally, sometimes, often or always”, with around 7% experiencing chronic loneliness, meaning they felt lonely often or always.

The charity says that figure has risen from 6% in 2020, meaning there has not been a return to pre-pandemic levels of loneliness.

It is well-documented that loneliness and feelings of isolation are closely linked to poor mental health, with each able to negatively impact the other. But did you know that academics reckon that loneliness can be as damaging to physical health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, or being obese? It can also increase people's risk of dementia, heart disease and stroke, while in younger people it can be associated with lower educational attainment or progression at work.

Admitting you feel lonely feels like a taboo, but acknowledging your feelings can be the first step to overcoming it. The Campaign To End Loneliness suggests you can: 

• Reach out: friends and family may be only too happy to come and visit if you ask them. And don't be too proud to accept an invitation yourself. 
• Connect online: use technology to keep in touch and find new connections. Many libraries and community centres offer digital skills courses if this is a barrier.
• Look after yourself. Eat well and, if you can, take some gentle exercise and keep active.
• Consider sharing your skills and time through volunteering. 
• Find out what's on locally. There may be activities like walks, book clubs, choirs and coffee mornings you could get involved in. 

If the thought of spending Christmas alone fills you with dread, consider whether there is anyone else in your social circle in a similar situation who may jump at the chance of some company. Or you could think about offering to volunteer at a local Christmas shelter project or other charity.

Help and useful links

• Don’t forget that RICS professionals who are struggling with loneliness, isolation or other issues can speak to a LionHeart counsellor or support officer in confidence. Call 0800 009 2960 or email info@lionheart.org.uk 
• Find more fact, figures and resources on the Campaign to End Loneliness website
• Read further advice on loneliness and isolation from Age UK