Half a million elderly people to spend Christmas Day alone Nearly half (47 per cent) of those surveyed by RVS said technology meant people make less effort to actually see each other. The charity has now begun a campaign to help prevent any elderly people from spending Christmas alone. Felicity Kendal, the actress, backed the campaign. "Christmas Day is a time for celebration, friends and family - and usually eating too much!" she said. It is heartbreaking to think of half a million older people sitting on their own, hidden away, while the nation enjoys themselves. Let's show older people we do care and make sure they know there are invites waiting this Christmas. Caroline Billington, founder of Community Christmas, which has partnered with RVS for the campaign, said: "If you're on your own when you don't want to be at Christmas, it's a really hard day. It only takes a pub open on Christmas Day or a community centre with a lunch on to register it at Community Christmas to show older people there are other options near them this Christmas. David McCullough, Royal Voluntary Service Chief Executive, said: "Royal Voluntary Service works every day to improve the lives of older people at home, in hospital and in the community. We know isolation is a huge issue and this can be acutely felt if you are alone on Christmas Day, missing being with family and friends. There's no better time to reach out and change someone's life.