In 2018, new analysis by Age UK revealed that half a million older people were expecting to feel lonely over Christmas, with 230,000 saying that they would be on their own for at least one day over the festive season. These statistics come as a loud and clear reminder that Christmas isn’t necessarily a time of celebration for everyone, and that it can be an incredibly difficult period for those in later life who might not have family and friends nearby.
For many older people, this Christmas will be spent in a care home or retirement village, something which, undeniably, doesn’t seem like the most appealing prospect in comparison to a Christmas at home spent surrounded by family. However, many leading care home providers are now joining charities such as Age UK and Contact the Elderly in their mission to make Christmas that bit merrier.
Leading the way is Audley, who have retirement villages right across the UK, including Audley Mote at Maidstone and Willicombe Park in Tunbridge Wells.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The choice of leaders
It’s a small, scenic Kentish market town on the border with Surrey, famous for not one but two great leaders. We take a look around Westerham
The eco-warriors
Awarded a Queen’s Anniversary Prize in 2019 in recognition of its research in global nature conservation, the role of Kent-based DICE has never been more relevant
Kent's most CURIOUS MONUMENTS
Our county can boast some of the most celebrated and downright unusual protected mouments in the country
Ghosts of a river's life
Kent Life discovers an an other-worldliness about the marshes, creeks, and saltings of the lower reaches of the river Medway
The return of the son
The Unknown Warrior’s journey from the World War One battlefields via Dover to his resting place in Westminster Abbey is 100 years old this month
We will remember
In a year when we got an inkling of what living through a war means, we remember the 75th anniversary of the end of the Great War
Age-old advice
Just become a grandparent for the first time? Perhaps you need a little guidance, so here are some top tips about how to embrace your new family role
10 GOOD REASONS TO VISIT Medway Towns
A vast Dockyard, a Napoleonic fort and a JCB diggers theme park - let’s visit Chatham and Medway
KENT'S CREEPIEST- GHOST STORIES
Here are 10 tales to make you shiver as we celebrate All Hallows’ Eve
Joking apart
From his home in Broadstairs, Royston Robertson comes up with satirical, topical and sometimes just plain silly cartoons