Charity ALONE says the Pandemic is Ageist against Older People

ALONE wants your time this Christmas as they support older people across the county.

ALONE, the organisation that supports older people to age at home, has launched their Christmas campaign today, which urges people to reach out to older people in their communities this Christmas.

It is reminding the public that we are facing into another challenging winter and wants to ensure that nobody has to face these difficult issues while being alone.

ALONE’s campaign entitled, ‘ALONE at Christmas’, offers the public first-hand advice as to how they can end the silent epidemic of loneliness and social isolation amongst older people.

It says the pandemic is ageist and some older people have slowly lost their social significance and connection over the past two years as the country continues to navigate the unknown of this pandemic.

It says the secret to combatting loneliness is ‘the gift of you.’ Alone says over the past two years it has proven the strength of community and the power of connection.

Alone stressed that the significant partnership of community and connection have helped to provide the answer to loneliness.  

“At times throughout the year, we have been awarded some freedom from lockdowns, yet the recovery for older people has not been as liberating, only intensifying their devaluation and neglect in society.”

 ALONE’s Christmas Ambassador, Padraic Duffy commented: “The pandemic has been hard on people of all ages but it has been particularly tough on our older people. The continued need for them to isolate has had drastic effects on their mental health and wellbeing.”

Sean Moynihan, CEO of ALONE said: “ALONE are asking that every single person pledges one act of giving in support of our Christmas campaign, ‘ALONE at Christmas.’

“We are a small but mighty Country and we’ve realised that each and every individual holds the power to combatting loneliness and social isolation.

“Help end loneliness for the isolated across Ireland this Christmas. You are the solution, don’t waste the opportunity to make someone feel like you care.

“Make it your mission to leave no one ALONE this Christmas,” he concluded.

Christmas Ambassador Padraic Duffy was joined by older people, Aideen Archbold and Tony Durkan to launch the campaign at The Grayson, St Stephens Green, Dublin 2.

If you or someone you know needs support this Christmas, please call our National Support and Referral Line on 0818 222 024 from 8am – 8pm, seven days a week.

ALONE operates 365 days a year so we will be there to take your call when you need us most.