'Many are just sitting in a chair, waiting for it to go away': The cost of Covid-19 on the elderly

Calls to services such as Friendly Call Cork and the nationwide senior helpline sharply increased this year. File picture: PA

Many elderly people have become so used to cocooning that they are no longer leaving their homes and are at risk from falls because of lack of exercise, the coordinator of a Friendly Call service has warned.

Brenda Barry, coordinator of Friendly Call Cork, whose army of volunteers rings 360 people a day, says pensioners should be encouraged to leave their homes whilst keeping within the restrictions and staying safe.