One in three over-65s lives alone; ALONE is asking everyone to reach out to older neighbours

"100,000 older people suffer isolation and loneliness to the extent that it will shorten their lives," he said. "One in three over-65s live on their own."

The charity ALONE says Christmas can be one of the loneliest times of the year for some older people.

ALONE supports older people to age at home, and is asking members of the public to reach out to their older neighbours and friends over the Christmas holidays.