With Christmas just around the corner, Churchill Retirement Living is asking people in Sale not to forget their elderly neighbours during the festive period, many of whom may be spending the holidays alone.

The retirement housing specialist, which builds developments allowing older people to live in a community environment, knows only too well how lonely Christmas can be for older people living on their own.

Douglas Jones, regional managing director for Churchill Retirement Living, said: “As reported by The Telegraph, last year 300,000 older people spent Christmas Day without seeing friends or family, and this year the number is expected to rise to 489,900.

“We know first-hand how very real the issue of loneliness in later life is, as many of our purchasers tell us it’s one of the reasons they chose to move to a retirement development.

“Indeed, our own research among over 65s in 2013 revealed that three quarters of people in this age bracket worry about being a burden. Fifty per cent believe that their children ‘have their own lives to lead’ and ‘don’t want to get in their way’ while, astonishingly, 99 per cent of respondents said they would not ask their families to spend more time with them.

“This is why we’re asking people this year to please remember elderly family members, friends and neighbours when making Christmas plans.”

To get everyone in the festive spirit, the team at Churchill are inviting people over 60 to join them at a special Christmas event at Brindley Lodge on Hope Road from 2pm on Tuesday, December 16, where they will be able to enjoy Christmas carols performed by St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School.

They will also be able to meet owners living at the development, find out about the benefits of retirement living and see for themselves the lifestyle and community on offer.

To find out more about Churchill Retirement Living, visit Brindley Lodge on Hope Road (open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm) or call 0161 6383 485. Alternatively, log on to www.churchillretirement.co.uk.