Forum Topic

Old cold and Lonely at Christmas

Whilst for many sitting in a home full if presents and a glow with the heating full on and stuffed with food and drink.Many are not so fortunate, the old man or lady for whom the only gift is a Poinsettia from a distant family who cannot be bothered, or too far away to care anymore.There are plenty like that living all over Ealing. Too proud to admit loneliness or struggling to make ends meet.They may well be living next to you, or opposite you. They may be a bit younger but still lonely or in poor health.Keep a check on them and why not break the ice by sharing some mince pies or something and let them know they are not totally alone or unwanted at this delicate time of year.Don't assume someone else will do it. It is rarely ever the case.

Michael Brandt ● 4853d6 Comments

Oh how wonderfully said Michael.There is NO excuse for an older person (or anyone) to be alone (except by choice) it takes five minutes to make sure they are OK.I have two people, who would otherwise be on their own, joining us for a family Christmas. What's a few extra veg and a small present when it brings a smile?There are so many ways to help and no excuse not to care.

Nigel Brooks ● 4853d

'twould be great if we had more good neighbours like the Brandts. Guess we should think of our older folk a bit more, especially at Christmas time.

Gerry Tan ● 4853d

I'm sure I was not like that when I was in my late 20's to mid 30's. I know I was wrapped up in getting my career established and in the rat race. Several of my long time friends did start to develop an 'I'm all right Jack' attitude as they became more successful and none of them were like that when we were at school,college or university. Moreover, it was the women in the group and those who they married who were the most selfish and callous in their attitude towards anyone less fortunate. Something I have never quite fathomed out! Some have mellowed and returned to the people they were - usually as a result of the system shafting them one way or another, but those who have become rather well off have chosen to isolate themselves even from their neighbours. Bad in Ealing and Chiswick but even creeping into Brentford which has for the last 10 years had a much better inclusive atmosphere in which to live

Michael Brandt ● 4853d

They are just not very nice people Michael. When they are older and possibly alone,some people will ignore them too and nicer people will help.It is quite often the more wealthy people are the more they wish to seperate themselves from the needs of others, hiding behind 'I pay loads in taxes' etc. to justify their mean spiritedness on a face to face basis.I pity them.

Keith Iddon ● 4853d

Or, as one of my friends always does, trim their garden hedge 3 times a year.Our children bake mince pies and take them to several elderly neighbours and they really appreciate it and the kindness lasts all year, it make our street such a better place to live in.It's funny though, the most well off and younger residents take no part in such things, don't even say hello but hide behind their "chiswick blinds' and seem to sneer at such things. Makes me wonder why they live here.

Michael Brandt ● 4853d

Indeed Michael.Good thread.One can also do something practical,like clear the path to their front door of snow and ice  to make their lives a little easier and to show others are thinking of them.

Keith Iddon ● 4853d