SPARE a thought for the 500,000 pensioners who'll spend Christmas alone this year.
That's the message from Lib Dem spokesman for older people, Sandra Gidley, pictured, who is urging Hampshire residents to lend a hand to over-65s this December.
The Romsey MP claims that 13 per cent of elderly people are unable to shop without assistance and often need extra help in crowded Christmas shops.
Nearly 3 million pensioners have osteoarthritis in their hands, making it hard for them to wrap presents.
And the 11 million over-65s in the UK are twice as likely as younger people to spend Christmas Day alone.
"For most people, December brings a frenzy of shopping, cooking and celebrations with friends and families. However, thinking about traditional Christmas events reveals the difficulties some older members of the community face."
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