Elderly people 'becoming more isolated and lonely'

Older people are becoming more isolated and lonely, according to a new report from the St Vincent de Paul.

The report states that loneliness is the single biggest problem facing older people, particularly those living in rural areas.

It has blamed the closure of post offices and a lack of local transport for their worsening difficulties.

John Mark McCafferty of the St Vincent de Paul says there are some things that can be done to help.

"A couple of big things that made a difference were the monitored alarms for older people, known as Seniors Alert," he said.

"Also, the home helps service is a low-cost and highly effective service."