At this time of the year, the impact of loneliness on our elderly is greater — the dark evenings, the cold winters, the reduced socialisation due to the ongoing pandemic — these are all factors that have led to an increase in loneliness over the past year.
Sean Moynihan, CEO of ALONE, a national organisation that enables older people to age at home, leads the calls for ways in which the physical, emotional and mental wellbeing of the elderly can be improved, but the challenge is getting greater.
ALONE has a National network of staff and volunteers who provide an integrated system of support coordination, practical supports, befriending, a variety of phone services, social prescribing, housing with support and assistive technology.
“We use individualised support plans, to address health, financial benefits and supports, social care, housing, transport and other arising needs using technology and harness other services.
Is loneliness in older people to be a rural problem or more of an urban problem?
“Loneliness in older people can happen to anyone. It’s not so much about the geographical element, as even being surrounded by people you could feel like the loneliest person in the world.
“Levels of loneliness have almost doubled in less than a year according to the CSO, increasing from 6.8% in April 2020 to 13.1% in February 2021. There have been significant and damaging impacts being experienced by groups most at risk, including older people, family carers, people with dementia, migrants and ethnic minorities and more.
What doe he believe are the root issues behind loneliness in older people?
“Loneliness is quite often higher amongst those in ill health, on lower incomes, those who are unmarried, living alone or who have lower levels of education.
“Factors that can contribute to loneliness for older people include living alone, advancing age, widowhood, low levels of education or income, poor health, and infrequent contact with family.
“Loneliness has been linked to an increased risk of early death, with some studies highlighting that older people experiencing high levels of loneliness are twice as likely to die within six years compared to those who are not lonely,” he said.
Mr Moynihan said that studies have linked loneliness and social isolation to higher risks of physical and mental conditions, including heart disease, anxiety, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease.
“When older people call ALONE’s National Support & Referral Line they are accessing our integrated service. Our National Support & Referral Line is the first point of contact for older people but it is only the beginning of the journey they can undergo with our organisation.
“the highest areas of concern we receive calls about relate to loneliness, followed by housing, finance, mental health, technology, signposting and assisting them to access other services they require and COVID-19 restrictions or queries,” he said.
Poverty
He feels that poverty is also a major factor.
“The latest Survey on Income and Living Conditions data indicates that 10.5 per cent of the population aged 65+ were living at risk of poverty. This equates to 74,542 people living on or below the poverty line.
“The current Contributory State Pension is €248.30 and the Non-Contributory State Pension is €237. An income of €286.48 is needed to avoid poverty in 2021, increasing by €189.08 for each additional adult in the household. An older person on the Contributory State Pension is €38.18 below the poverty line.
“Research shows that for most older people, the State Pension makes up the majority of their income. If you are an older person who has a mortgage, medical bills, rent or other costs to pay after you retire, your pension will not cut it.”
Support networks
“ALONE’s Coordinated Support empowers older people by devising personalised support plans in order to help older people address challenges and find solutions. We offer access to our services while aiding coordination and enabling older people to access medical as well as non-medical sources of support within their community to improve physical, emotional and mental wellbeing.
“The service offers help to resolve all types of difficulties, give practical support and engagement with local events and activities all our services includes providing technology solutions for older people to remain at home.
While, ALONE’s Support & Befriending service provides companionship and practical support to older people who would like or need it. The service also provides assistance to solve everyday problems, and links the older person in with local events and activities. We provide advice and information on health and wellbeing and will provide the older person with further support as and when required.
He recommends an older person who is suffering with loneliness to reach out to ALONE.
“We’d be delighted to take your call. The ALONE National Support & Referral Line creates direct access to ALONE’s integrated service model. Older people and other agencies are encouraged to call 0818 222 024 for access to our services advice, and information seven days a week from 8am – 8pm,” he concluded.
