IRELAND: Television Is Main Form of Company, Shows Survey

DUBLIN (RTE News), March 30, 2006: A new survey highlights old age loneliness and indicates that more than half of pensioners in Northern Ireland look upon their television as their main form of company. The study commissioned by the group, Help the Aged, found that for more than 100,000 older people in Northern Ireland the television has become a substitute for the companionship and support normally derived from family, friends and neighbours. It also showed that 29,000 of the over-65s surveyed do not see their family more than once a month, other than those they live with, and 8,000 never see friends. The survey marked the launch of the charity's second Helping Unite Generations, or HUG, campaign which runs through April and aims to raise awareness and vital funds to help end loneliness and isolation among the elderly. Lack of contact with grandchildren was a particular issue raised by those surveyed.