Helpline for elderly sees calls soar 50%

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.

The Senior Helpline logged in the region of 15,000 calls in 2012, up 50% on the previous year.

Anne Dempsey, head of communications at Third Age in Meath, which runs the Senior Helpline, said loneliness, cuts to home help hours, and depression are among issues that lead older people to seek help.