Friendship Through The Ages

With rising life expectancy, there is a growing number of retired and elderly people in the UK. Despite being able to live independently, many suffer from loneliness. Gillian Harvey investigates how this issue is being tackled

- Gillian Harvey

There are several charities that try to reduce loneliness among older people. And while financial donations are always welcomed, some also choose to offer something arguably more valuable – time.

Whether it’s striking up a relationship with an elderly neighbour, or volunteering through an organisation, spending some time with an elderly person can be enormously beneficial.

According to psychotherapist Hilda Burke, forming a friendship with an older person can be rewarding in many ways.

‘Becoming friends with an elderly person can often give us a sense of perspective – reminding us not to get bogged down in the small details of life,’ she explains. ‘Most of the elderly people I know talk about the significance of friendship and company – it’s important to be reminded of this especially when we’re young and still find it easy to get out and meet people.’

Similarly, when we engage with an elderly person, we are giving them so much more than a cure for loneliness.