PEOPLE ARE BEING asked to look out for elderly members in their community, and to ensure that they are keeping warm and are not isolated in the winter months.

As well as this, older people are being advised to prioritise their spending on heating during the winter months, and to call for assistance if they are concerned for their own wellbeing.

The advice comes as part of the Dublin City Council and older person’s charity Alone’s cold weather initiative, which was launched today.

Commenting, Dublin Lord Mayor Micheál Mac Donncha said that the winter months could be a very difficult time for people.

“It can be a very frightening experience to be without shelter, warmth , food or essential items such as medication,” said Mac Donncha.

We are appealing to all Dubliners to look out for the older people in your community who may live alone, have no family or may be at risk of suffering from fuel poverty, illness or loneliness.

According to figures, nearly 10% of Irish people aged over 65 who lived alone were unable to keep their home adequately warm in 2013.

“Cold temperatures can have a serious effect on many older people, in particular those living alone, those with health issues, and those with limited mobility,” said Alone CEO Seán Moynihan.

Christmas for anybody is a tough time and if you’re on your own it can be very hard

According to Joan MacArthur (80s), its important for older people to keep warm, and “if you need help, ask for it”.

“It’s amazing how much goodness there is out there,” she said.

“A friend of mine gets a carer, and she’s bad on her legs, and when the carer came in the other day she was on the floor.

She wasn’t hurt or anything, she was fine, but [the carer] couldn’t lift her back.

So she went out on the road the first young lad she came across she helped her no problem. There’s a lot of kindness and decency around if you ask for it but people won’t ask.

Alone can be reached on 01-6791032 or by visiting www.alone.ie

Read: ‘An old man had been taken into Garda custody for knocking on a door. ALONE went to his rescue’

Read: Living alone in old age: ‘When my wife died, I discovered I didn’t have close friends. It’s lonely’

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More