12,000 calls to elderly helpline

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

Third Age, which manages the helpline, said the high volume of calls highlights the vulnerability and isolation felt by many older people, and the need and demand for the peer-to-peer telephone listening service.

Concerns raised by elderly people contacting the service include the cost of living, cuts to services, instances of elder abuse and suicidal thoughts.