Age UK highlight the growing loneliness crisis below. Also, French company Famileo help families stay connected this Christmas and beyond.
Christmas is a time for family, connection, and joy, but for many older adults, it can also bring feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Age UK & the Loneliness Epidemic
In the UK, a recent report from Age UK highlights a sobering truth: nearly 1 in 14 people aged 65 and over report feeling lonely on a regular basis, which equates to around 940,000 people across the country. 270,000 older people in England go an entire week without speaking to a friend or family member.
This growing loneliness epidemic is more than just an emotional issue—it has a serious impact on both physical and mental health. Loneliness has been linked to a higher risk of developing conditions like coronary heart disease, stroke, and dementia, as well as mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. In fact, older adults who experience chronic loneliness are nine times more likely to report feeling unhappy or depressed compared to those who rarely feel lonely.
The Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated this problem, with lockdowns and social distancing measures driving families further apart. Meanwhile, the digital divide means that many older adults don’t see the benefits of online communication, leaving them even more isolated. But as families face these challenges, French company Famileo are proving to make a huge difference:
What is Famileo?
Famileo is a unique platform designed to help families bridge the gap between generations and combat loneliness among older adults, especially those who may not be tech-savvy. The platform allows younger family members to share digital updates—photos, messages, and news—via the dedicated app, which Famileo then automatically convert into a printed “family magazine”. The monthly magazine is posted directly to the non tech-savvy older relative, creating a tangible connection and a sense of inclusion that might otherwise be missing.
The Magic of Famileo
The magic of Famileo lies in its simplicity. The process is as easy as possible for younger family members to share their news and for older family members to receive that news. With almost 2 million users in France, Famileo is now available in the UK.
Co-founder Tanguy de Gélis writes “It’s not just the practicalities of the service that make it so effective—it’s the emotional impact. Famileo fosters genuine connections and ensures that older family members, often the ones most at risk of loneliness, don’t feel forgotten or left out. It’s a small act that makes a big difference in the quality of life for those who need it the most.”
Sharing Family News
Sandra, 62, has been using Famileo for a year now, as a way of sharing family news with her mother:
“My mum is 87 and doesn’t really use the internet or smartphones. We’ve always been a close family, but as we all got busier and spread out, I noticed that my mum started feeling more and more disconnected. We’d call her, but sometimes the conversation felt distant because she wasn’t able to keep up with everything going on in our lives. Famileo has been a game-changer. It’s like a little window into all our lives, and it makes mum feel included in a way that’s so much more meaningful than just a phone call”
Famileo is more than a Gift
In a world, increasingly fragmented by distance, technology, and busy lives, Famileo offers a simple yet powerful way to keep families connected. This Christmas, consider the lasting impact of a gift that brings people together, combats loneliness, and creates meaningful memories. Famileo is more than just a gift; it’s a way to share love, joy, and family moments with those who need it the most.
A Famileo subscription costs £5.99 a month, including unlimited family members and postage, anywhere in the world. MrandMrs50Plus readers can enjoy the first month free with the code MRMRS. To sign up, visit www.famileo.com
