WHILE most people in Oxfordshire are looking forward to putting their feet up with loved ones over the festive season, others are dreading spending the winter alone.

A new survey by national charity Independent Age has found that two thirds of over-65s in the South East feel more isolated and go out less in winter.

Of the 1,000 people polled, 63 per cent said they are more isolated and less likely to go out over the colder months, 39 per cent said they are kept at home because they dislike the cold and 42 per cent said they do not go out for fear of slipping and falling on ice or wet ground.

This Christmas the Oxford Mail is aiming to raise money to support some of the county’s 10,400 lonely older people, many of whom find Christmas a very difficult time.

Janet Morrison, chief executive of Independent Age, said: “It is saddening that so many pensioners feel more isolated or go out less in winter.

“While much more needs to be done to ensure that older people get the support they need in winter, there are also many practical actions that can be taken.

“These include wearing several thin layers of clothing, having more milk and dairy to help boost the immune system and drawing the curtains before it gets dark to keep the heat in.”

At the same time, local charity groups are doing all they can to help those trapped indoors by the chilly weather feel less alone.

Contact the Elderly was set up 50 years ago to match vulnerable, lonely older people with volunteers for monthly tea parties at their homes.

It runs four long-standing groups in Oxford and Wallingford, and two newly-opened ones in Banbury and Headington. Guests are chaperoned to events by volunteer drivers.

Volunteer support officer Suzan Hyland, who co-ordinates efforts in Oxfordshire, said: “Winter is a problem nationally for people of a certain age.

“Some of our guests are in their late 80s and 90s and don’t want to risk going out and getting a chill. A lot can’t actually get out unaided.”

For those that come along, the tea parties can be the highlight of the month and an important way to renew contact with the outside world.

Mrs Hyland added: “It’s a high tea with cakes and sandwiches. We don’t have talks or activities.The idea is having a chat and some nice food. It’s simple but it works.

“These events make such a difference. Elderly people who have been isolated for a long time might retreat into themselves, but these events are an occasion – a proper party.

“They meet other people in the area and swap books and information, but also it’s an intergenerational thing because hosts are aged anything from 18 to 80.

“Loneliness is a massive problem. These are war babies and an awful lot of the ladies in particular have been widowed for many years. Many people only have families hundreds of miles away.”

Across Oxfordshire, scores of residents are hosting Christmas parties for isolated older people in their area.

The Oxford Mail is asking those who would like to do the same to get in touch, or donate to the Lonely this Christmas appeal to make sure no-one has no-one this year.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
* Donate to the Lonely this Christmas appeal, which is aiming to raise £5,400 by Christmas to support Age UK Oxfordshire and its and Phone Friends service. Text AUKO52 £3 to 70070 to give £3 or visit campaign.justgiving.com/charity/ageukoxfordshire/endloneliness to pledge an amount of your choice.

* Volunteer with Age UK Oxfordshire. Ten new recruits are being sought over the Christmas period. There is no minimum age and Phone Friends can volunteer from just two hours per week. To find out more, email volunteering@ageukoxfordshire.org.uk. 

* If you’re organising a Christmas lunch for neighbours and older people who may not have anyone to share the day with, register it at communitychristmas.org.uk