Record numbers of older people seeking help from charity

By Cillian Sherlock, PA

Record numbers of older people are seeking support from ALONE, according to the organisation’s annual report.

The number of older people supported by ALONE rose to just under 44,000 in 2024, with health, housing and financial difficulties among the main reasons support was sought.

The report was launched on Wednesday to coincide with International Older Person’s Day by Minister of State for Older People and Housing Kieran O’Donnell.

Almost 11,000 people received a personalised needs assessment from ALONE, with 52 per cent of them reporting loneliness — a decline from 58 per cent in 2023.

Only half of those experiencing loneliness reported having someone to visit them, down from approximately 70 per cent in 2023.

We have responded to meet the need in the community, the need of those that we do not always see

A total of 6% had not been out socially in over a year.

Physical health concerns were reported by 51 per cent of older people – a 26 per cent increase on 2023, surpassing loneliness in the fourth quarter as the most prevalent issue.

A third of those with physical health issues reported falls in the last three months of the year, a five-percentage point increase since the first quarter.

Just under a third of older people experienced housing issues, with many requiring housing adaptations.

A total of 30 per cent experienced financial concerns as part of a steady increase in such reports throughout the year.

The 2024 report found 45 per cent of those with financial problems experienced issues with utilities, with most of those relating to energy bills

ALONE CEO Sean Moynihan said: “The figure of 44,000 older people supported in 2024 is a testament to both the efforts of our volunteers and staff, but also to an immense level of need that exists throughout Irish society. With an ageing population, that need is going to grow significantly in years to come.”

“The report marks the last full year of the current strategic plan and shows the delivery that was achieved in that timeframe. The integration with the HSE’s Enhanced Community Care programme has been key, and ALONE’s role in moving care into the community across every corner of Ireland.

“We have responded to meet the need in the community, the need of those that we do not always see. Those living alone, lonely and isolated yet still needing support with health, finance and housing issues. We are that support at the end of the phone and the knock on the door, we will continue to be able to be that, 12 hours a day, 365 days a year.”

Other key findings from the annual report show 9,117 volunteers contributed 264,430 hours in 2024, a 21 per cent increase from 2023, worth up to 7.81 million euro.

Mr Moynihan added: “We need to be prepared for the realities and challenges of an ageing population; the UN estimates that by 2050, 2.1 billion of us will be over 60 years old. We need a serious and rational approach to what that means for housing, healthcare and the way we live.

“I’m proud that ALONE is helping to lead that conversation in Ireland, and we’ll continue to do so in the years ahead.”