The charity – with the wholehearted backing of Express.co.uk – is calling on the nation to pull together in a time of crisis to protect some of its most vulnerable residents. Evidence from across the world demonstrates it is older people, particularly those aged 70 upwards, who are most likely to fall seriously ill or even die if they contract COVID-19.

Current Government advice for people within this age bracket to stay at home is unlikely to change for many months – but while the priority is to keep them safe, the knock-on effect is loneliness, and, on a practical level, problems even buying enough food for the week.

To compound matters, they are being discouraged even from hosting visitors and attending family gatherings.

At the same time, footage of shelves at shops and supermarkets being effectively ransacked is leaving Britain’s old folk terrified and wondering how they are going to cope.

While some have friends and family to rally round, not everyone is so lucky, Age UK has warned, while many over the age of 75 have little or no understanding of the internet and may not even have a connection, leaving them dangerously isolated.

Despite the fact that the crisis has only just got underway, calls to Age UK’s telephone Advice Line rocketed by 30 percent increase in demand, while The Silver Line, a free confidential telephone helpline offering information, friendship and advice to older people, has similarly seen a 40 percent rise in the number of calls it is fielding.

Age UK volunteers up and down the UK are racing to put the systems and processes in place with other branches in order to provide practical and emotional support to their older populations in the weeks and months to come.

The reality is that in the weeks and months ahead older people are going to need Age UK in huge numbers, and to an extent we have never seen before

Laurie Boult

Laurie Boult, Fundraising Director at Age UK said: “As a country we are all facing a terrible, invisible threat and it is older people who are at the greatest risk.

“We understand and support the need for our older population to stay safe by remaining at home – but this has huge implications for everyone, especially those who are already struggling to cope and who are very much on their own.

“The reality is that in the weeks and months ahead older people are going to need Age UK in huge numbers, and to an extent we have never seen before.

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“We are determined to rise to the challenge and be there – to provide comfort, hope and practical support. But we can only do it if we have the funds that it will take.

“This is why we are reaching out today and launching this appeal.

“My message to everyone is please help us to help our older people through donating to this appeal.

“Together we can make a big difference and help them pull through.”

Age UK is also asking anyone in a position to be a good neighbour to offer simple, immediate assistance for older people who are forced to stay at home.

The charity has also produced a short online training video and downloadable postcard that gives guidance on ways to offer help alongside some key information for older neighbours.

Here are some simple things everyone can do right now to help:

• Donate now: Demand for our vital services has increased rapidly. Help us keep our Information & Advice and friendship services running and help the local Age UKs provide practical help such as food parcels by donating at www.ageuk.org.uk/coronaappeal.
• Keep in touch: phone your older relatives and friends to ask what they need – set up a rota with family and friends to make sure someone is regularly checking on them.

• Lend a hand: if you’re feeling well, offer to pick up shopping for an older neighbour. Remember that when you offer to go to the shops and when you drop off any shopping, you need to knock on the door and step two metres back first. Leave any bags on the doorstep making sure they safely receive them.
• Share these numbers: for practical information and advice, Age UK Advice: 0800 169 65 65. For a cheerful chat, day or night, The Silver Line: 0800 470 80 90
• Show you care: make homemade cards (a great project for kids), send postcards, write letters or even post small gifts to keep people’s spirits up.

To donate to Age UK’s Emergency Coronavirus Appeal please visit: www.ageuk.org.uk/coronaappeal – online donations are the most effective way to reach the most in need at this time.

To find out how you can be a good neighbour to older people visit www.ageuk.org.uk/neighbourly

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