{"id":15660,"date":"2020-07-14T08:05:19","date_gmt":"2020-07-14T12:05:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/?p=15660"},"modified":"2020-07-14T09:06:27","modified_gmt":"2020-07-14T13:06:27","slug":"alone-reports-increase-in-numbers-of-older-people-calling-suicide-helpline","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/?p=15660","title":{"rendered":"Alone Reports Increase In Numbers Of Older People Calling Suicide Helpline"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"A helpline for older people has seen an increase in suicidal thoughts among those who had to \u201ccocoon\u201d during the pandemic, a new report has found.<\/p>\n

Alone, the organisation which supports older people, collaborated with The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) to publish a report examining loneliness and isolation among people over 70.<\/p>\n

The report focuses on the impact of public health measures on older people who are struggling with loneliness, which has been found to negatively effect mental health.<\/p>\n

During the pandemic, Alone saw a rise in callers reporting negative emotions, including suicidal ideation.<\/p>\n

Physical health was also negatively affected as a result of lockdown measures, with calls indicating that many were apprehensive about attending medical appointments in case they came into contact with a carrier of the virus.<\/p>\n

Alone CEO Sean Moynihan said the arrival of Covid-19 in Ireland emphasized existing issues while further alienating some older people.<\/p>\n

\u201cLoneliness and social isolation are two of the greatest health risks for older people today.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have seen a huge increase in loneliness among older people as a result of the isolation experienced while cocooning.\u201d<\/p>\n

Since March, Alone\u2019s National Support Line has received over 27,012 calls for support while its staff and volunteers have made more than 130,149 calls to older people who needed support.<\/p>\n

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