Duchess Camilla has opened up about the "blight of loneliness" affecting many elderly people at the moment in a new video.
In the clip recorded for the organisers of Silver Sunday - an initiative offering free activities for older people suffering from loneliness - Camilla, 73, spoke about the impact of COVID-19 on the older generation.
She said, "This year will of course be very different, with most events taking place virtually, rather than in the flesh.
"So Silver Sunday is more important than ever.
"Its aim is to tackle the blight of loneliness that affects so many, and which, very sadly, has increased significantly over the recent months of lockdown."
She added, "More than a million older people say they go for over a month without speaking to a friend, neighbour or family member.
"Silver Sunday is the perfect moment to break the silence in which many live, perhaps with a telephone call to a grandparent, a card to an elderly neighbour or by hosting your very own virtual event.
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"I want to encourage everyone to take the time to remember the older generation on October 4.
"And to find creative ways to express our appreciation and gratitude to them."
Duchess Camilla continued, "Since 2012, the first Sunday of October has been Silver Sunday, the National Day for Older People.
"It is a day that offers us all the opportunity to focus on older people’s contributions to our communities and to our society.
"Different generations gather together across the UK to celebrate their elders and to make new friends, through a variety of fun, free activities that range from tea parties to curling to Zumba dancing.
"As a member of Silver Sunday’s target audience, I can honestly say that it is a completely brilliant initiative."
Robyn is a celebrity and entertainment journalist and editor with over eight years experience in the industry. As well as contributing regular to woman&home, she also often writes for Woman, Woman's Own, Woman's Weekly and The Sun.
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