A helpline staffed by and geared towards pensioners was launched yesterday. The Senior Helpline (1850-440-444) is "a voluntary listening service by older people for isolated and lonely older people, which will operate on a seven-day basis," according to Dr Sheelah Ryan, chairperson of the Office for Health Gain, which sponsors the service.
Dr Ryan said the service "would fill a definite need for older people, as the decline in the extended family means that former levels of family support are not available to the increasing number of older people living alone."
The 100 volunteer listeners who work on the helpline can also benefit, Dr Ryan said. "The service can give a sense of value and fulfilment to the older people who provide it."