Loneliness was the main reason older people made calls to ALONE's national support and referral line last year.
According to its latest annual report, the charity supported 38,000 people in 2023, up from 22,000 in 2022.
About one-third of individuals experiencing loneliness did not have someone visit them and 9% reported that they had not been out socially in over a year.
Increasing energy prices had a significant impact on older people throughout 2023, according to the report, with 38% reporting "utility issues".
Assistance with energy credits was the most prevalent utility intervention provided by the charity.
Some 30% of older people reported legal/financial issues and there was a 198% increase in legal/financial interventions by the charity.
Emotional and mental health interventions also increased significantly (122%) compared to 2022.
Overall, there was a 50% growth in the number of supports provided to older people by ALONE last year.
Support included visits by volunteers, healthcare assistance and, for example, the installation of technological devices.
ALONE works with the Health Service Executive's enhanced community care programme to aid hospital discharges and prevent re-admission where care is available within the community.
It has 7,000 volunteers.
CEO Seán Moynihan said that as Ireland’s population continues to grow older, the charity continues to provide supports where they are truly needed.
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