My wife Joan died suddenly. It was 3 days before my 80th birthday. We had been together for 58 years. My brain hit a brick wall.
I would wake up, make breakfast and then realise she wasn’t there. I would go to the café and it would all be couples. I was there on my own. That would crush me inside.
After a year, I decided I had to do something. My friend Eve encouraged me to join the University of the Third Age. With her support, I joined a singing group. I made new friends. Now I am never at home. I’m always out singing, dancing or painting. I recently learnt to take off and land a light aircraft (not solo of course)!
But I am luckier than lots of older people. I have a loving family and friends. In the weeks after Joan died, I received so much love and affection from them – especially my daughter Deb.

John tells us his story
One person can make a big difference
Eve helped me to take the first step to overcome my loneliness. One person can make a big difference. Without Eve I might not be where I am today.
But Christmas is hard. Christmas is a family time. If you haven’t got a family, it’s just another weekend on your own.
So my advice is – talk to your neighbours – especially if you know an older person is alone.
Send a card saying “would you like to talk?” “Would you like a mince pie?” Give people a call. Knock on the door to say “Merry Christmas, are you ok”?
It’s Christmas, let’s get together! You can be the person to make the difference.
There are 4 million lonely older people in the UK. Many will spend this Christmas alone. We’re here to change that. By giving just £5 per month, you’ll support a campaign that aims to make loneliness in later life a thing of the past.
This article has had one comment
I have room at the table for two people on Christmas Day and would like to invite two people to join us at Christmas. We live in Sale Manchester and would happily pick them up and pay taxi home if local, no strings or motive. It would be lovely for us too. My hubby doesn’t know yet but if I’m happy he’s happy. Thank you
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