Many pensioners worry about warmth, shelter and essentials including food and medication, as well as health difficulties and fuel poverty during the winter months.
Launching Alone’s cold-weather campaign, the charity urged people to check on older people in their community.
Tilda (The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing), says about one in 10 older people have problems heating their home and nearly half have experienced problems with damp, mould or mildew.
Sean Moynihan, chief executive of Alone, which supports older people, said there are pensioners who may need help.
“For older people we are saying, if you need help, reach out to us or reach out to your neighbors,” he said.
“Put a priority on heating, and spend your money on heating if we get a cold snap, because ultimately it’s a health issue.
“Keep moving, keep eating, stay connected. Stay linked in, and if you need our help in Alone, please reach out to us. That’s what we’re here for.
“I think the big thing that is going to happen this time of year, at Christmas time, is loneliness.
“We will be out on Christmas Day delivering Christmas dinners to people.
“People are lonely because they can’t get out as much as they can at other times of the year.
“There are people who may have financial issues because the heating costs an awful lot more during winter.”
He called for the Government to respond to the ageing population and those who are living on the basic pension.