Plight of elderly people - We need a government that cares

In March of last year, prior to taking on the role of European Ombudsman, Emily O’Reilly spoke movingly of the plight of many older people, particularly those who ceased to engage with the world around them.

“Many older people are far from fulfilled and happy,” she said, citing loneliness and the death of a partner as the main reasons.

“One by one, the stars go out.”