Age Scotland said about 60,000 people over the age of 65 would experience the Chrismas Day without family or friends, a 50% increase in the number of Scots pensioners who will spend Christmas day alone since 2015.
The charity said the figures represented a surge in the "epidemic" of loneliness.
Brian Sloan, chief executive of the charity, said: "The epidemic of loneliness among older people is having a devastating impact on their health and wellbeing. While most of us are looking forward to spending the festive period with family or friends, it's sobering to think that 60,000 older Scots will have only their television for company. Many more will go for days without a visit or even a phone call from family or friends
The charity said the figures represented a surge in the "epidemic" of loneliness.
Brian Sloan, chief executive of the charity, said: "The epidemic of loneliness among older people is having a devastating impact on their health and wellbeing. While most of us are looking forward to spending the festive period with family or friends, it's sobering to think that 60,000 older Scots will have only their television for company. Many more will go for days without a visit or even a phone call from family or friends
About 80,000 people over 65 feel lonelier at Christmas time than at any other time of year, with those who have been widowed most at risk, according to the study. The same number see television as their only source of company over the festive period, with nearly one in five keeping it on all day because "it's lovely to hear human voices".
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