With Christmas around the corner, Churchill Retirement Living is asking people in Tonbridge 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.

People over 60 are invited to join Churchill this winter to enjoy festive mince pies and sherry on Thursday, December 11.

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

Neil Calderwood, regional managing director for Churchill Retirement Living said: “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 amongst over 65s revealed three quarters of people in this age bracket worry about being a burden. 50% believe that their children ‘

have their own lives to lead’and ‘don’t want to get in their way’ while astonishingly, 99% of respondents say they would not ask their families to spend more time with them.

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

Guests are invited on Thursday, December 11 from 2pm to 4pm at Waterside Lodge.

For more info call 01732 386 450 or visit www.churchillretirement.co.uk