ALONE, the charity that supports older people, has said that it will deliver 1,900 Christmas dinners tomorrow, an increase of around 16% on last year.
The charity is asking members of the public to check in with older people who may be lonely this festive period.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland programme, Seán Moynihan, CEO of ALONE, said that almost a third of over 65-year-olds live on their own.
"Older people that live on their own are the most at risk of poverty of any age group," he said.
"If your income is only the State pension, and you're on your own, you still have all the energy bills, heating bills, house bills, so for us, there's a constant flow of people in need of support, to help them age in place and age in the community well.
"The reality is, with the levels of loneliness, we need everybody to reach out and share the warmth with the older people in their community... ten minutes of your day might change the direction of the day, and somebody's emotions, for that day."
Mr Moynihan implored anyone struggling to reach out to the charity, adding "we’re here for you, and we’ll hopefully make next year a better year".
Helplines to help you this Christmas
