Loneliness Main Reason Older People Contacted Charity Last Year - Report

Loneliness has been identified as the main reason why older people made calls to ALONE's national support and referral line last year.

The latest annual report has said that the charity supported 38,000 people last year, an increase from 22,000 in 2022. 

The reported also stated that about one third of individuals who are suffering from loneliness, did not have someone to visit them, while 9% have reportedly said that they have not been out socially in over a year.

Increasing energy prices has been cited as having a major impact on older people throughout last year, with 38% of older people mentioning "utility issues".

The charity has said that they have supported older people with energy credits, while legal/financial interventions have seen a 198% increase as older people reporting legal/financial issues has increased by 30%.

The report has also pointed to emotional and mental health issues, with interventions in these areas increasing by 122% from 2022.

Reports have suggested that the number of supports provided by the charity have increased by 50% in the last year. Other supports include visits to volunteers, healthcare assistance and for example, installing technological devices. 

According to ALONE CEO Sean Moynihan, Ireland's population continues to grow older, and the charity is providing supports where they are truly needed. It currently has 7,000 volunteers.