Valuel ife lessons

Dear Editor,

As a senior citizen and someone who takes an interest in community traditions, although never having been a resident in the area, I have a strong affection for Rutherglen/Cambuslang because of my past membership of the Harriers Club.

Reading about the ancient Rutherglen Mortified Monies Fund (Rutherglen Reformer Jaunary 15 2020), I was impressed.

The elderly deserve to be honoured in ways such as this, for it is they who have made a past contribution to the development of the community where they have spent their lives.

The item also covered in the same edition was the appointment of the Glasgow Central MP Alison Thewliss to the chair of Clyde Gateway.

Ms Thewliss is one of the hardest working, modest and capable Scottish representatives at Wesminster and will be a fine asset to that organisation. Robert Brennan, Machie Road, Castlemilk

Dear Editor,

It is widely accepted that we have an epidemic of loneliness, not just among older people, but younger people too. But our research shows a chink of light.

Almost half of 22-35 year-olds we polled spend time with someone aged 65+ who they are not related to.

That could be a neighbour or a friend, meeting up every week and turning to them for advice.

It’s heartening to know millennials value the company of older people.

With a lifetime of experience, older people have a wealth of knowledge that we can all benefit from.

The people in our care homes, retirement living and community support services across Britain have shared their life lessons as part of our Words of Wisdom campaign (mha.org.uk/WoW), encouraging people to value the wisdom gained with age.

We’re calling on people to reach out to older people and ask for their life lessons. Even small acts like having a chat and a cup of tea with an older neighbour, can have a huge impact on strengthening bonds and bringing people together.

Sam Monaghan, Methodist Homes (MHA),