Madam, - A report in your edition of October 31st by Alison Healy - "Older men living alone rely on daughters, nieces" - accurately describes the problem of loneliness among elderly men living alone in Ireland.
Most of them worked outside the home all their lives and their work relationships were central to their identity.
Many do not have the community links that their families have.
On their retirement, or on the death of their spouse, they can quickly become isolated, lonely and withdrawn.
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We ask people to be aware of these difficulties and be good neighbours. - Yours, etc,