More than a third of people have felt lonely over Christmas, poll claims
Around half of participants would consider having isolated person round for dinner
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Your support makes all the difference.One third of people have felt lonely at Christmas, a new poll reveals.
A survey of 2000 UK adults found 42 per cent feared they would one day have to spend the holiday period on their own.
Meanwhile, over 80 per cent of participants said they thought the true meaning of Christmas was to spend it with others.
Around half said they would consider having isolated members of the community over for Christmas dinner, and three in 10 said they checked in with elderly neighbours during the holidays.
The Bupa care home survey also found around half of participants said they would like to be invited to spend time with others on Christmas day if they were to be alone.
Respondents listed spending time with family and friends as one of their favourite parts of the holiday – as well as eating mince pies and pigs in blankets.
Having time off work and festive music were also some of the best things about Christmas, according to participants.
Joan Elliott, managing director of Bupa Care Services, said: “While mince pies and presents will always be festive favourites, it’s being with friends and family that really makes Christmas Day so special.
To help tackle the issue, more than 70 Bupa care homes will open their doors on 25 December and welcome older people who might otherwise spend the day alone.
Ms Elliott said: “It’s the fourth year we’ve been involved with the campaign and we’re all really excited to be taking part again.
“The responses have been fantastic, both from guests and colleagues alike. It makes you realise what Christmas spirit is all about.”
SWNS
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