Charity seeing more elderly people 'reaching out to us in deep loneliness'

Friends of the Elderly said that while Christmas should be a time of warmth and connection, thousands of older people will be experiencing the opposite of that this year, including silence, emptiness and long days without a single friendly conversation. File photo

The public is being urged to support older people this Christmas, as a charity said it is seeing more clients than ever before “reaching out to us in deep loneliness”.

In launching its Christmas appeal, Friends of the Elderly said there has been a significant rise in demand for companionship services, home visits and practical supports as it appealed for action.

It comes after similar calls from older persons’ charity Alone last week to reach out to neighbours this festive period, whether it is through a friendly chat, a thoughtful gesture or even sharing a box of chocolates.

“Many will spend Christmas without family, without visitors, and without the simple comfort of knowing someone cares,” Friends of the Elderly general manager Bernie Curran said.

“We urgently need the public’s support this Christmas to meet this growing demand. Every donation helps us reach another older person who is completely alone.” 

The charity said that while Christmas should be a time of warmth and connection, thousands of older people will be experiencing the opposite of that this year, including silence, emptiness and long days without a single friendly conversation.

Through its network of 340 volunteers, it is among the organisations aiming to alleviate loneliness for isolated older people and promote respect for each person’s dignity.

Friends of the Elderly said funds raised would help it meet the growing demand for services to combat the isolation their clients feel. It asked individuals, businesses and communities to do what they can to help bring comfort and dignity to older people.

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According to European Commission research from 2022, 20% of Irish people reported that they felt lonely most or all of the time, compared to 13% of Europeans generally. This was the highest prevalence in Europe.

A paper published earlier this year co-authored by Maynooth University associate professor in psychology, Dr Joanna McHugh Power, suggested Ireland may have high levels of loneliness for a range of reasons including our young age profile, population density and factors linked to migration.

It also suggested Ireland may not have the social infrastructure needed to combat loneliness.

Sean Moynihan, CEO of Alone, said last week that loneliness remains one of the greatest challenges facing older people in Ireland today.

“In 2024 alone, over 50% of older people who we supported reported loneliness. This Christmas, we’re asking everyone to ‘Share Your Warmth’ by reaching out to those around you.”