Loneliness in the elderly: Why these new shocking statistics show how valuable interaction in a supermarket is vital for millions

Christmas. A time of goodwill, joy, merriment, spent surrounded by loved ones - right? For some.

500,000 elderly people are set to be
alone on Christmas Day.
Image - RVS website. 

For others, its just another day spent in silent solitude. The Royal Voluntary Service says over 300,000 over 75's were believed to have spent Christmas Day 2013 alone. And if this many people are alone on the jolliest day of the year, we dread to think how many are alone for the other 364 days too.

The problem isn't set to get any better. In the UK alone, half a million older people are set to spend their Christmas Day alone this year - with many saying they don't want to be a burden on family, or living too far away from loved ones.

These statistics give a snapshot of what life must be like for hundreds of thousands of retired men and women on a daily basis...and this all links in to the idea of having a chat at the checkout. The reality is that, for thousands of people, the person who scans through their newspaper, pint of milk or loaf of bread will be the only person that customer interacts with all day. 

This is why retail workers, and others in the tertiary sector, must make an effort to brighten up the day of every single customer - especially those who appear to want to have a chat (even just about the weather!) or be shown some appreciation by another human being. Because no amount of quiz shows and Bargain Hunt re-runs can make up for face-to-face interaction with a happy, smiling, bubbly, fellow human being.

So please, when you are serving someone, try and make their day - there is a large chance you will be the only person they speak to all day. Make that little bit of interaction count, and leave them with that wonderful warm glow inside. 

Even if it is just about that storm cloud!