Involve older adults in festivities to prevent poor health, experts claim

Involving older adults in this month's festivities will be essential to prevent the loneliness and isolation that often lead to ill health, experts claim.

Much research has been done to prove that there is an association between illness and feeling alone.

With 500,000 older people preparing to spend Christmas by themselves this year, the UK could be facing a serious problem.

Richard Furze, chief executive at Friends of the Elderly, stated: "It is really important that we do help people who are likely to be isolated.

"Human warmth is really important too, as well as physical warmth."

To stop older adults from feeling lonely, Mr Furze suggests inviting neighbours and loved ones for a drink and mince pie.

"It will make a huge difference, that small effort that we might make," he said, explaining that it is particularly important during the winter, as older adults are less likely to go outside and socialise.

Asking loved ones what they would like to do this Christmas can also be a priceless gift, as many are unable to do the traditions they once did because of a lack of opportunity.

Find the nearest Barchester care home.