Marian says Make Your Minutes Count for those who are ALONE

ALONE, the organisation that supports older people to age at home, has launched a new Christmas campaign, which encourages members of the public to ‘Make their Minutes Count’ to tackle loneliness and isolation.

Author Marian Keyes launched the organisation’s Christmas campaign, to encourage members of the public to take a few minutes out of their day to interact with their older neighbours and relatives who may be experiencing feelings of loneliness as the festive season approaches.

ALONE is also asking for support from new volunteers and donors to help them them combat loneliness and other challenges faced by older people.

One in 10  people over 75 are lonely a lot of the time and demand for ALONE’s services has increased five-fold in recent years.

One in four older people live alone, and this increases in rural areas.

Marian said she was delighted to be helping ALONE launch their Christmas campaign this year.

“I admire the work that they do with older people and I’m so happy to be a part of such a positive message,” she said.

“Loneliness and isolation can be serious problems for older people and dropping in for a chat or helping a neighbour with their shopping could make all the difference to their mental health.

“Sometimes all it takes is a few minutes to share a cup of tea and a bit of a laugh to really lift an older person’s spirits.”