Age UK Milton Keynes is calling on people in Milton Keynes to pledge their support and donate, to help the charity be  there for older people and tackle the loneliness that is blighting too  many lives. 

Being loved and cared for is important to us all, whatever our age,  but it's especially true at Christmas - a time when the companionship  and support of friends and family seem to mean even more and loneliness  is more keenly felt. Every day Age UK Milton Keynes hears from people who are experiencing  devastating life events such as bereavement, which can give rise to  overwhelming feelings of loneliness and loss.  Left unaddressed this can  cause long-term misery and contribute to the development of serious  medical conditions, such as heart problems and strokes, mental health  issues and dementia.

Jane Palmer, Chief Executive at Age UK  Milton Keynes said, “Loneliness doesn’t only affect older people over  the Christmas period, but because most of us expect to spend this time  of the year enjoying ourselves with family and friends it can make those  who are unwillingly on their own feel all the more left out and  miserable.

For many lonely older people the festive season also  brings back memories of happier times in years gone by, reminding them  of partners and other close relatives and friends who are no longer  around and who they sorely miss.

“Chronic loneliness is not only  horrible to experience day in, day out, it can also have a devastating  impact on an older person’s mental and physical health.  That’s why at  Age UK Milton Keynes we are committed to being here all-year-round for  older people, to help tackle the loneliness that is blighting far too  many later lives.

Age  UK Milton Keynes provides practical and emotional support to thousands  of older people every year. Please donate today.