More than 12,000 isolated and lonely older people called the Senior Helpline in the first six months of this year looking for assistance.

A helpline for the elderly has experienced its busiest Christmas and New Year period since it was established, with pensioners expressing concern about issues such as finances and the emigration of children and grandchildren.

A HELPLINE for the elderly has extended its hours in order to assist pensioners who are calling for advice in ever increasing numbers.

The operators of the Senior Helpline say they are preparing for an increase in calls.

The Senior Helpline has said loneliness is the main problem facing the majority of elderly people who contact its services.

Most of the country's health boards have yet to appoint case officers to deal with the 20,000 elderly people believed to be victims of abuse, writes Pat Brosnan.