With a new study predicting that more than a 10th of Britain’s over-65-year-olds will be spending Christmas alone, Christians are being advised to ensure that older people in their communities are cared for this festive season. Research published last week by the public theology think tank Theos has revealed that people who are aged 65 years or above are most likely to be without the company of family or friends this Christmas. According to the study, 11 per cent of those in this age range will be on their own during next week’s celebration, compared to just six per cent of the population as a whole. As a consequence, the director of Theos, Paul Woolley, is now warning that people ‘should be concerned’ at these findings. At the same time, church members have been reminded of the need to befriend and look after elderly people in their communities.
Pray: that the Church will reach out to the lonely this Christmas and that God will bless them with His presence. (Pro.18:16)