Public urged to give the gift of time and check on elderly

THE co-ordinator of a national helpline for the elderly has asked members of the public to be vigilant about checking in with their housebound or elderly neighbours during the dark and often bleak month that is January.

Mary Nally, chief executive of the Senior Helpline, a confidential listening service for older people by older people, says the dawning of a new year can be a time of hidden loneliness and heartache for many older people.

Ms Nally says there are many reasons why older people may be isolated. They may be living in rural Ireland some distance from neighbours; illness or disability often means they are confined indoors, or can get out only rarely.