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Twice as many people as usual expect to spend Christmas this year alone as a result of the pandemic, according to figures that have raised new concerns about a “silent epidemic of loneliness.”
The problem is particularly severe among people 65 and older, with up to 1.7 million people saying they expect to be alone on Christmas Day. The figures, revealed in a new Opinium poll for the Observer, confirm the extent of the ongoing disruption that the pandemic has caused in family gatherings.
The survey reveals that overall, people hoping to spend Christmas alone have risen from 4% in a normal year to 8% this year. Among those over 64, the figure has risen from 7% to 14%, or 1.7 million people. Only 23% of adults say they will spend Christmas with their parents this year, compared to 35% in normal times. Fewer than one in six (15%) plan to spend Christmas with their siblings, nearly half of the 27% who said they normally would.
The survey results follow a growing body of research that raises concerns about the impact of loneliness during the pandemic. A similar survey for the British Red Cross in the fall found that 39% of UK adults had not had a meaningful conversation with someone in the previous fortnight and 32% were concerned that if something happened to them, no one would notice. . Zoe Abrams, executive director of communications and advocacy for the charity, said the seasonal impact of loneliness in addition to the pandemic “cannot be underestimated.”
“Shorter daylight hours and a very different Christmas for many could compound feelings of isolation, especially for those who may have lost family members this year,” he said. “Loneliness is a public health problem; it can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and dementia. We encourage civil society organizations to involve people facing loneliness in designing solutions. We would also like all four nation governments to have a winter solitude plan. “
Caroline Abrahams, Age UK charity director, said that while digital technology would help many older people connect with family over Christmas, hundreds of thousands will be “totally alone and will not listen or speak to anyone.” She said: “As you progress through the age range, far fewer older people are also online, more than half over 75, making them even more isolated.
“Since the coronavirus remains a very present threat, it is more important than ever that we keep the spirits of the elderly in our lives by making an effort to stay in touch. A friendly phone call, a note through a neighbor’s door offering help with shopping, a letter or a Christmas card to someone further away will help overcome intense feelings of loneliness. “
Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, said: “This pandemic has created a silent epidemic of loneliness. Along with improving mental health services, the government must ensure that reliable evidence is available so that people can safely visit family and friends. “
Liz Kendall, the shadow care minister, called for new funds for mutual aid and community groups to help support those who are alone. “The consequences of this loneliness pandemic should not be ignored,” he said.
The Christmas Covid rules allow conditional family reunions. Between December 23 and 27, three households can mingle indoors and spend the night. That window runs from December 22-28 in Northern Ireland. There are no limits on the number of people in Christmas bubbles in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, although guidance suggests that they should remain “as small as possible”. In Scotland, bubbles can hold up to eight people, which does not include children under 12 years of age.
