Growing Concern Around Rural Isolation in the Elderly

ALONE, calling on members of the public to reach out to older people in their lives who may be feeling particularly isolated at the moment due to the current COVID-19 guidelines. The organisation is concerned by the negative impact of loneliness on older people’s mental health, and is asking people to reach out and stay in touch with their older relatives, neighbours and friends.

Since March, ALONE’s National Support Line has received in excess of 31,993 calls for support.

Many are also concerned that the pandemic has led to the death of rural Ireland . Will there be a growth in rural isolation as many rural pubs unable to reopen, local GAA matches continue to be played behind closed doors and other outlets which used to provide entertainment for the older generation are no more?

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On Monday’s Morning Focus, Gavin Grace spoke to Seán Moynihan from Alone.