ALONE, the national organisation that supports older people to age well at home, has expressed concern at latest predictable findings from the Central Statistics Office’s Survey on Income and Living Conditions (SILC) which shows a growing risk of poverty among older people living alone. The data shows they were the only household group to experience an increase in both their risk of poverty and their level of enforced deprivation between 2024 and 2025.

The figures also highlighted rising poverty among older people overall. In 2025, ALONE supported almost 46,500 older people across its services, with one-third reporting financial difficulties. Over the course of the year, the organisation saw a growing number of people seeking financial assistance to cope with ongoing cost-of-living pressures, underlining the need for stronger and more accessible supports.

Commenting on the findings, ALONE CEO Seán Moynihan said the data reflects the experiences of many older people contacting the organisation. “Many of the older people we support are extremely careful with their spending, but they are still finding it harder to make ends meet,” he said. “We regularly hear from people cutting back on heating or food, or putting off essential household costs. When you live alone, every bill falls on one person, and many older people simply don’t have the financial cushion to absorb rising costs.”

The SILC data covers a period when Government cost-of-living supports were still in place and shows that these measures had the greatest impact in reducing the risk of poverty among older people. However, the most recent Budget did not include similar supports or meaningful increases for those affected. Key allowances have not kept pace with the increased cost of living. The Living Alone Allowance has not increased since 2022, while the Telephone Support Allowance has remained unchanged since 2018. Not all older people are the same, and the State must develop the capacity to identify and respond to the distinct needs and challenges facing the growing number of older people at risk of poverty.  Without immediate and meaningful Government action the situation will continue to worsen in the months and years ahead.

ALONE is calling on Government to prioritise supports for older people in need including benchmarking the State Pension and increasing targeted payments, such as the Living Alone Allowance, the Telephone Support Allowance, and the Fuel Allowance.

These findings underline the urgent need to prevent older people, especially those living alone, from falling further into financial hardship,” Mr Moynihan said. “No one should have to face poverty in later life, particularly after a lifetime of contribution – yet every year we see more and more older people pushed closer to crisis. We expect that with the withdrawal of supports in the last Budget, coupled with ongoing world events, this issue is only going to be exacerbated’

Older people who need support can contact ALONE’s National Support and Referral Line on 0818 222 024, available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.

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ALONE, the organisation supporting older people to age well at home, has welcomed the Government’s announcement of an increase in almost €30 million to improve homes for older people and disabled people this year, with a projected €152 million for 2026 to fund around 17,000 adaptation grants. Housing adaptations are critical to enabling older people to live safely, independently and with dignity in their own homes. 

While acknowledging the increased investment, ALONE says many older people continue to face long waiting times and unnecessarily complex application procedures, delaying essential works that allow them to live safely and independently.  In some cases, older people supported by ALONE have waited more than a year, and in extreme cases up to two years, for essential adaptions to be approved or completed, leaving them living in unsafe or unsuitable conditions. 

Older people must currently provide medical forms, an Occupational Therapist report, contractor quotes, income documentation and Local Property Tax proof. The application form is lengthy, with unclear questions, and guidance on how to obtain the required supporting documentation is often difficult to navigate. ALONE says the process is “too burdensome” for many applicants, particularly those living alone or managing health issues.  

Last year ALONE supported almost 46,500 older people across their services, with 36% reporting housing related issues.  The organisation’s data shows that housing adaptions remained the most commonly reported housing concern, with demand rising year on year. ALONE is also calling for funding to be extended to include cleaning and decluttering support as almost 900 older people sought assistance with these essential tasks last year.  

Seán Moynihan, CEO of ALONE, said. “The extra funding is welcome, but too many older people are waiting far too long for vital adaptations. The complexity of the application process remains a major barrier. If we want people to remain in their own homes safely, the system must be easier to navigate.” 

He continued “very delay has a real human impact. Older people are living with hazards in their homes, experiencing falls, or going without basic facilities while waiting for assessments and approvals. Without timely access to housing adaptations, many people face avoidable hospitalisations or may be forced to enter nursing homes prematurely” 

ALONE also highlighted the broader shortage of accessible housing across the country, noting that many older people live in homes that do not meet their mobility or health needs.  The organisation is calling for: 

• A simplified, streamlined application process  

• Faster processing and delivery of home adaptations 

• Support older people with hoarding, cleaning and decluttering needs 
   

Older people who need support can contact ALONE on 0818 222 024.

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ALONE, the organisation that supports older people to age well at home, has today expressed deep concern figures published by the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) highlighting a sharp rise in energy bill arrears across Ireland.

Energy poverty – when a household cannot afford to properly heat or power their home – has worsened in recent years as rising energy prices have put increasing pressure on households. Older people are particularly at risk, with those aged 65 and over almost twice as likely to be affected (Tovar Reaños et al, 2023). Many are living on fixed incomes, in poorly insulated homes, and need more maintain their health and well being.

In 2025, ALONE supported almost 46,500 older people nationwide. A growing number sought financial help to cope with ongoing cost-of-living pressures, highlighting the urgent need for stronger and more accessible supports. Despite this growing demand, there are now fewer energy assistance programmes available.

Between October 2025 and February 2026, ALONE delivered almost 1,200 winter-related supports, helping older people access essential payments, grants and utility assistance to stay warm and well at home.

Seán Moynihan, CEO of ALONE, said: “Today’s reports on rising energy arrears confirms what we are hearing every day from older people across the country. Many are living in cold homes, cutting back on essentials like food, and struggling in silence. This is not just an energy issue; it is a health and wellbeing crisis.”

He continued “We warned that the Government missed an opportunity to adequately support older people this winter, particularly as one-off cost-of-living measures were withdrawn without being replaced by sustained, targeted supports. What we are seeing now is the impact of that gap.”

Moynihan went on to say “Older people are more likely to live in inefficient homes, rely on expensive heating fuels like oil, and have limited ability to absorb rising costs. Without better targeted and accessible supports, we risk leaving a generation behind, particularly those living alone and in rural areas.”

ALONE also highlighted the serious health implications of energy poverty. Cold homes are linked to increased respiratory and cardiovascular illness, with evidence showing that GP visits for respiratory infections can rise significantly during colder weather (TILDA, 2016).

The organisation is calling for immediate and sustained action, including:

• Expanding and simplifying access to energy supports and retrofitting schemes
• Ensuring timely delivery of cost-of-living measures
• Targeting supports specifically at older people and those living alone
• Addressing administrative barriers that limit uptake of existing programmes

ALONE reiterated its commitment to supporting older people through its services, which can be accessed through its National Support and Referral Line on 0818 222 024 or by making a referral on https://alone.ie/make-a-referral/.

“Older people should not have to choose between heating and eating,” Moynihan added. “We need a coordinated, long-term response to ensure that every older person can live safely, warmly, and with dignity in their own home.”

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ALONE, the national organisation supporting older people to age at home, has welcomed key protections in the Residential Tenancies Bill 2026, while warning that some measures may unintentionally harm older renters, one of the fastest growing and most at risk groups in the private rental sector.

ALONE has welcomed the Bill’s strengthened security of tenure, with six-year minimum leases offering vital stability for older people who need to remain close to community, support services, and family. The organisation also supports restrictions on ‘no fault evictions’ and the introduction of a Rent Price Register, which will bring greater transparency for tenants.

However, ALONE has raised significant concerns about allowing rents to reset to market levels for new tenancies from 1 March 2026. This change could disproportionately affect older renters on fixed pensions and those relying on HAP, especially given the ongoing shortage of rental properties within HAP limits and increasing competition in the market.

ALONE also warns that reforms could accelerate landlord exits, shrinking supply and driving rents higher – without any Government analysis of the Bill’s potential impact on rent inflation.

Seán Moynihan, CEO of ALONE, said:

“We welcome stronger protections and transparency for tenants, but older renters remain at real risk of being priced out of their communities. Without safeguards, rising rents will push those on fixed incomes into deeper housing insecurity.”

He added:

“Government must ensure that these reforms protect those most at risk. We would urge that Government publish analysis on the potential impact of the reforms. Older people cannot absorb sudden rent increases, and unless we address supply and affordability together, this crisis will worsen.”

ALONE continues to highlight the growing challenge facing older renters, including an 83% increase in older renters since 2022, declining homeownership, and rising homelessness among people aged 55+ across the country. ALONE’s research with Threshold also shows that 42% of older renters experience significant stress due to instability of tenures.

“We must not overlook people over 60 when considering the rental market, particularly the uniquely vulnerable position many retired renters face. Affording current market rents after retirement is nearly impossible as it is and research shows this create a reluctance in the private sector to rent to over 60’s. We look forward to the HAP review due in June and an increase focus on social housing and housing choices for older people.” Mr Moynihan concluded

Older people who need support can contact ALONE’s National Support and Referral Line on 0818 222 024, available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.

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ALONE, the organisation that supports older people to age well at home, is encouraging older people affected by Storm Chandra to reach out, reminding the public that its supports remain available throughout the country.

In the aftermath of the storm, ALONE staff and volunteers have been checking in with older people in the most affect areas to ensure they are safe in their homes and to help anyone impacted by the storm or flooding to access the support they need.

ALONE CEO Seán Moynihan expressed particular concern for those who may not already be linked in with support services: “Over recent days we have been reaching out to older people who need support, offering practical assistance and liaising with other agencies where necessary. However, we remain especially concerned about older people who may never have needed help before and now find themselves isolated due to storm or flood damage. We want them to know we are here to bridge that gap, even for those who do not typically require our services or supports.”

Older people who need support can contact ALONE’s National Support and Referral Line on 0818 222 024, available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, including over the Bank Holiday. Anyone concerned about an older person in their community is also encouraged to call the same number. Urgent concerns regarding an older person’s welfare should be reported to the Gardaí immediately.

Further information is available at www.alone.ie.

If you would like to volunteer or learn more, please visit www.alone.ie/volunteer or call 0818 222 024. Together, we can ensure no older person feels alone.

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ALONE, the organisation that enables older people to age well at home, is urgently seeking volunteers for their Support and Befriending services.

Demand for our services continues to grow . Many older people in our communities are experiencing loneliness and isolation. ALONE’s volunteers play a vital role in offering companionship, practical support, and a friendly voice to those who need it most. 

In 2025, ALONE supported almost 46,500 older people across our services. Almost half of this group reported feeling lonely while 16% had not been out socially in the last six months. 

Sean Moynihan, CEO of ALONE, said:  ” Loneliness can have a profound effect on a person’s health and wellbeing. Every day, ALONE volunteers make a life‑changing difference for older people across the country, and we are deeply grateful for their dedication. Just one hour a week can transform an older person’s life. By volunteering, you help build stronger, more connected communities where no one feels alone.” 

Volunteering involves calling or visiting an older person regularly for companionship and practical support, providing help to solve everyday problems and linking them in with local events and activities.   

Volunteering with ALONE is flexible, rewarding and has huge benefits for both the older person and volunteer.  Our latest volunteer and older person surveys show that: 

• 93% of older people said that the Support and Befriending Service positively impacted their lives 

• 84% of older people believed that their loneliness had decreased and their happiness had increased 

• 98% of volunteers said they enjoyed the social interaction,  

• 96% of volunteers felt they were contributing to their community,  

“Just putting a smile on the person’s face I visit is enough for me to know I am making a difference.” said an ALONE Volunteer 

If you would like to volunteer or learn more, please visit www.alone.ie/volunteer or call 0818 222 024. Together, we can ensure no older person feels alone. 

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Dublin, 19th January 2026: ALONE, the national organisation that enables older people to age well at home, today welcomed the publication of the Simon Communities report Older Adult Homelessness in Ireland, which highlights the growing and deeply concerning issue of homelessness among older people. The report makes clear that strategic, preventative approaches are essential to addressing this issue and protecting older people from housing insecurity later in life.

Last year, ALONE staff and volunteers supported almost 46,500 older people through its services. This increased focus is welcome, as the organisation has seen an increase in older people seeking support for housing difficulties over the past decade. ALONE has raised growing concerns about the housing crisis confronting Ireland’s ageing population, including an 83% increase in older renters in the most recent Census (CSO, 2022), declining rates of home ownership (ESRI, 2022), and a worrying rise in homelessness among older adults (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, 2025).

The organisation is calling for urgent action to ensure there is enough housing for an ageing population and older people can pay the rent when they retire. Preventative measures such as providing secure, affordable housing through local authorities and approved housing bodies, building social housing to Universal Design standards, and expanding smaller and supported housing options are essential to ensuring older people can maintain stability and independence as they age.

ALONE CEO Seán Moynihan said “This report shows that Ireland is not yet adequately prepared for the housing needs of a rapidly ageing population. With the right planning and sustained collaboration with housing authorities and delivery partners, we can stop older people from being pushed into homelessness and ensure they can age with security and dignity in their own communities.”

As the report published today demonstrates, homelessness in older age is particularly traumatic and is often associated with rapid deterioration in physical and mental health, increased isolation, and greater pressure on health and social care services.

ALONE is calling on Government to urgently plan for and deliver the housing required to meet the needs of older people by 2040. This includes the delivery of:

· 123,000 1- and 2-bedroom housing units

· 82,500 social housing units built to universal design

· 24,600 supportive housing (independent living) units, including 1,721 Housing with Supports

Seán Moynihan continued “Housing is central to dignity, independence, and wellbeing in later life. Government must explicitly address the housing needs of older people within the new Housing Action Plan for Older People if we are to prevent a crisis from unfolding. Without urgent action now, the CHY 8259 RCN 20020057 Rev 04

housing insecurity experienced by younger adults today risks becoming the homelessness crisis of older age tomorrow.”

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Met Éireann has issued a number of Yellow Weather Warning for the entire country this weekend as temperatures are forecast to fall to as low as -4 degrees. ALONE is closely monitoring conditions and keeping in touch with the older people they support nationwide.

Cold weather significantly increases health risks for older people. Slips and falls can have serious, sometimes fatal, consequences, and cold snaps often lead to a rise in respiratory infections in the following weeks. ALONE is urging older people to reach out for any support they may need and asking communities to stay alert to those who may be isolated.

ALONE is recommending older people to:

·       Keep the heating on in their home, especially in the rooms that they use the most.

·       Eat and drink hot food and beverages to stay warm, perhaps even using the microwave if there is a concern around energy efficiency.

·       Wear more than one layer of clothing to stay warm.

·       Avoid making journeys that involve going outdoors particularly in counties affected by the snow-ice warning.

·       If using an electric blanket, check for signs of wear and tear – if the blanket is old and damaged, do not use it under any circumstances.

·       Keep in touch with friends and family to let them know if you need any practical support such as picking up fuel, medicines and groceries.

 Sean Moynihan ALONE, CEO said, “We’re asking everyone to look out for older and more vulnerable members of their community. A quick check-in can make all the difference. Keeping homes warm is vital, especially for people with underlying health conditions that can worsen in cold weather.”

 “If you’re an older person worried about heating costs, or if you know someone who is, please contact ALONE on 0818 222 024, any day between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Supports are available – don’t hesitate to reach out.”

 Moynihan continued,  “We’re encouraging the public to make use of the strong community spirit that exists across Ireland. Look in on older neighbours, offer help if you can, and direct anyone who needs support to ALONE.”

For support or information, call ALONE at 0818 222 024.
Advice for older people in extreme weather can be found at www.alone.ie, as well as further guidance on winter safety at:

• www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/aa78b9-be-winter-ready/
• www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/6ca43-reduce-your-use/

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Dublin, 25th December 2025: ALONE, the organisation that enables older people to age well at home, is asking members of public to share their warmth with older people this Christmas season.

ALONE’s volunteers will deliver 2,000 Christmas dinners nationwide this Christmas Day, reflecting the growing need for support among older people this year.

Across the country, ALONE volunteers will contribute over 22,000 hours in December to support older people in their communities. ALONE’s staff have also made more than 20,000 calls to older people to check in on their needs ahead of Christmas and to provide whatever support is required.

Ireland’s aging population is driving unprecedented demand for ALONE’s services and supports. By the end of this year, ALONE is projected to have supported approximately 46,000 older people. This demand continues to grow annually, particularly among the 30% of older people in Ireland who live alone. Today, nearly 200,000 older people live alone, and two-thirds of those supported by ALONE fall into this group.

ALONE CEO Seán Moynihan says: “One of our great strengths in Ireland is our sense of community. We’re asking people to draw on those connections this Christmas – to look out for your older neighbours who may be more vulnerable or isolated. Being alone at Christmas is especially lonely, and, with many services shut down or not available, it can also be hazardous. So, if you’ve any concerns at all, do the neighbourly thing, check in, reach out, offer support, and don’t assume that someone else has done it”.

ALONE’s services and supports remain available across the entire Christmas period. ALONE’s National Support & Referral Line is available seven days a week, including on Christmas Day, from 8am – 8pm on 0818 222 024. Further information can be found on www.alone.ie.

ALONE encourages older people to call the National Support & Referral Line if they find themselves needing some support over Christmas. Concerned family, neighbours and health professional can also call the number if they’re worried about the wellbeing of an older person in their area.

Those wishing to support older people on an ongoing basis are asked to consider becoming an ALONE volunteer in the New Year. Moynihan said: “Volunteering is a hugely rewarding experience for both the older person and the volunteer. Our volunteers contribute almost a

quarter of a million hours to supporting older people each year, but with an ageing population, the need keeps growing. So please, if you can spare a couple of hours a week to brighten the life of an older person, please sign up at alone.ie”.

Practical supports to support older people over Christmas:

· Ensure older neighbours are keeping their homes warm if temperatures drop, and that they are following practical advice to stay safe in the cold.

· Check in with older neighbours, friends and relative to ensure that they are keeping themselves warm, and that they have enough food and medicines.

· Take a moment to stop and chat – a simple conversation can make someone’s day.

If you are concerned about an older person over the festive period, refer them to ALONE for support on 0818 222 024. ALONE’s National Support & Referral Line is available seven days a week, all over the holiday season, from 8am – 8pm. Further information can be found on www.alone.ie.

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Dublin, 14th December ALONE, the national organisation that supports older people to age well at home, marked a special anniversary by delivering fully decorated Christmas trees to residents of ALONE’s Willie Bermingham Place in Dublin 8. 

Andy Kenny, who coordinates the deliveries, was inspired to get involved after hearing about an 85-year-old man’s reaction to having a Christmas tree for the first time in decades. Since then, the partnership between Andy, his sister Breda Kenny, his volunteers, ALONE, and Theo from Firtree.ie has blossomed into an annual tradition for the residents of Willie Bermingham Place. Today, the collaboration celebrated its 10th anniversary. 

The trees were provided, decorated and delivered entirely free of charge to all residents of Willie Bermingham Place, alongside dinners provided by Fitzgeralds: The Homestead Bar in Cabra. 

ALONE CEO Seán Moynihan commented: “The theme of our Christmas campaign is Share Your Warmth, and that’s exactly what Andy and his volunteers have done by spreading a bit of Christmas cheer to the tenants in Wilie Bermingham Place. It’s become something they look forward to as soon as the calendar starts drifting towards December, and it never disappoints.  We are incredibly grateful to Andy for his dedication and generosity over the past decade—this tradition simply wouldn’t exist without his commitment. It’s such a joyous occasion and a testament to the kind-heartedness of Andy, his volunteers and the team at Firtree.ie” 

Reflecting on the challenges faced by older people over Christmas, Moynihan said: “We all know that Christmas can be a very lonely time for some people. Two-thirds of the older people we support live alone and organising a tree can be difficult. Share Your Warmth is about reaching out at this time to year to let older people know that they’re appreciated, they’re cared for and that support is available if they find themselves in need”. 

So far in 2025, ALONE has supported almost 42,000 older people. In the lead-up to Christmas, ALONE staff have made nearly 20,000 calls to older people to check in on their needs. In December alone, ALONE volunteers will clock up well over 22,000 hours to support older people in communities across the country. 

Andy Kenny said of this year’s 10th anniversary, “My sister Breda and I are delighted to be providing Christmas trees and dinners to the residents of ALONE in Kilmainham. It’s our favourite day of the year, with lots of Christmas music, singing, decorating, food and chatting with our old friends. It doesn’t get more festive. We’re delighted to be celebrating our 10th year and a huge thanks to firtree.ie, who have always donated the trees.” 

ALONE is encouraging anyone to contact them to refer an older person or to seek support for themselves via the National Support & Referral Line on 0818 222 024.  

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