The organisation achieved this through its free and confidential helpline, Seniorline, which provides assistance and advice to older people, their families, friends and carers.

Speaking at the launch of Help the Aged's Seniorline Benchmark Report, Minister Jeffrey Donaldson said: "I would like to congratulate Help the Aged on the publication of the Seniorline Benchmark Report which provides an extremely useful breakdown of the day to day issues which affect our older people and their relatives such as housing and healthcare.

"Minister Kelly and I are committed to addressing the issues which affect older people and will shortly be announcing an Advocate for older people, pending the appointment of a Commissioner. He or she will provide a strong, independent voice for older people."

Gerry Kelly said: "It is obvious from the Benchmark Report, that Seniorline is more than a helpline. In many cases it is probably a lifeline to our older people. Last year it secured almost £1,250,000 of unclaimed benefits for older people, an increase of 40 per cent on previous year.

"Such issues are crucial to the well being and quality of life of our older people. We would hope that the Advocate would play a vital part in helping to ensure that all relevant services for older people, including benefits, would be as straightforward as possible."