An Irish organisation which aims to support older people at home has found that loneliness has an incredibly detrimental effect on people.

Sean Moynihan, CEO of ALONE revealed: “As an organisation that works with older people, we interact first hand with the effects of loneliness every day. I don’t think that people are aware just how devastating loneliness can be for your general health. Not only can loneliness lead to depression, but it is also a predictor for dementia, cardiovascular disease and decreased immune system responsivity. Loneliness is twice as dangerous to the health of an older person as obesity, and is as damaging as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.” In Ireland, one third of older people live alone. ALONE’s Befriending Services provides companionship to over 500 older people who are socially isolated through a weekly volunteer visit as well as a range of social events. ALONE are continually developing the service to ensure that all older people who require it will have access to a quality assured befriending service. This week, they launched a video showing the positive impact of befriending for older people. In the video a number of older people, who avail of ALONE’s Befriending Service, thank their volunteers who have made a huge difference to their lives. Moynihan commented: “We have created this video to thank the hundreds of volunteers in ALONE who offer the Befriending Service to older people every week. This video shows what a difference a little friendship can make to the lives of older people who are living alone – their volunteers have become close friends and are a lifeline to them in times of need.” “ALONE’s Befriending Service is a preventative health measure. We receive no day-to-day government funding for our services so we depend on donations. We hope that this video encourages the general public to offer their help and support to older people by donating to ALONE this Christmas,” concluded Moynihan. For those who have concerns about their own wellbeing, or the wellbeing of an older person in their community, ALONE can be contacted on (01) 679 1032. To make a donation and help aid ALONE’s work this Christmas time visit www.alone.ie/donate .