I came across an interesting little book published in 1978 by the ALONE organisation, who are still up and running today. It documents a few of the many cases of isolated elderly people they came across in the city of Dublin.
Here is one example of a man:
A few pictures were also taken of the dilapidated and decrepit condition some of these elderly people were living in:
It is upsetting to think how people can be forgotten in old age, with loneliness, depression and isolation a common thread running through their lives. Thankfully, things are better today in regards to sanitation and the quality of accommodation. Psychologically though, things are the same; there are still older people living on their own today, with no one else to talk to or give them a helping hand.
It’s so sad to think this kind of thing still goes on. I work in an arcade where the regulars come in at 10.30 in the morning and don’t leave until late at night. They’re mostly elderly people and I think the attention we give them is a big help to them. The hardest part is that there is only so much we can do, if a regular doesn’t come in for a couple of days we have no way of knowing what’s happened to them and if they’re OK. Thanks for posting this, it’s good to see that compassion is alive and well.
Fair fucks to Mrs. Brown though, throughout it all, she kept that toilet bowel looking spotless.
@FEIST
You are welcome! Do they whittle away their pensions or do they just play the penny arcades?
@ GAMMA GOBLIN
Its very strange isn’t it, seeing a pristine porcelain loo surrounded by filth! Would love to know how exactly she washed her hands..
In the arcade I work in there are still slot machines for old 2 pence pieces. I’m pretty sure they eventually win back everything they’ve spent.
There’s still people like that, I know one old drunken bachelor who lived like that up til about 2 years ago when he got robbed… there was a big cleanout of his place done while he was in hospital, under his filthy matress there were mountains of euros and old pound notes… and presumably barter items.
…I suppose it’s less disturbing when it’s self-inflicted like that though.
That’s it. I’m marrying her despite the crazy episodes and her silly questions. At least I’ll never end up like this poor old soul.