A national helpline for the elderly has extended its hours to operate right through the holiday season, including Christmas Day.
Volunteers have been inundated with calls from pensioners in recent weeks, who are upset about being on their own during the holiday period.
Co-ordinator of Senior Helpline Mary Nally said yesterday older people have been calling in "dozens" every day to talk about their feelings of loneliness and exclusion from the hustle and bustle of Christmas.
"Callers are telling us they will be alone on Christmas Day. They have no place to go. This is due in part to bereavement. Many are the only surviving members of their family. It is hard to share in the fun if you haven't anyone to celebrate with. It is a time of year for hidden loneliness and heartache. I think the essence of Christmas can be forgotten. It is a time to reach out to people."
Nurse Nally said people generally associate loneliness with elderly people living in rural areas, but it is possible to be equally lonely in Dublin 4 as on the side of a mountain in the west.
She urged families to spare a thought for distant relatives or elderly members of the community who may be alone. "This is such a lonely time for older people. The reality is there are people close by to you who will be lonely on Christmas Day. It can be too easy to forget what Christmas is all about."
The Senior Helpline can be contacted at 1850 440444.