ALONE, the charity that supports older people in need, launched a Christmas campaign last week to highlight the isolation and loneliness felt by some older people during the festive season.
At the launch ALONE called on members of the public to reach out to older members of their community who may be isolated or lonely over the holiday season.
According to Sean Moynihan, Chief Executive Officer of ALONE, 170,000 older Irish people live alone, which makes them vulnerable to isolation.
“This risk increases at Christmas when the nights are darker and the days are colder, making older people less inclined to leave their houses,
? he said.
“This winter we are reminding the notoriously generous Irish public to check in on their older neighbours, have a cup of tea, a quick word of kindness or just see if they need a lift to the shops.
“People are often surprised to learn that loneliness is actually a greater health risk than smoking or obesity
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Mr Moynihan added:
“Christmas is busy for everyone and we often feel like there’s not enough time, but for some isolated older people Christmas can bring too much time.
“Last year hundreds of Irish people wrote Christmas cards to 85-year-old James Gray, an Irish emigrant living in the UK who placed an advert looking for someone to spend Christmas with.
“The reality is that we all have someone like James living in our local communities and we should all make an effort to show them that someone cares this Christmas. Small gestures can really make all the difference to an older person who is isolated and living alone.
“If you are concerned for anyone in particular you can contact ALONE for advice and support.
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Radio presenter George Hook helped ALONE launch their Christmas campaign this year.
“ALONE do a great job of looking out for us older folk and I hope that people will take heed and check in on their older neighbours for a natter over a cup of tea,
? he said.
Over Christmas, ALONE’s activities will include the organisation of 180 volunteers who visit older people each week, a Christmas dinner dance for older people and volunteers, the delivery of hundreds of Christmas hampers to older people in need and a special Christmas Day dinner delivery for a number of older people.
For those who have concerns about their own wellbeing, or the wellbeing of a vulnerable older person in the community, ALONE can be contacted on (01) 679 1032.
To make a donation and help aid ALONE’s work this Christmastime visit www.alone.ie