Donkeys preferred to elderly, says Rantzen

THE British public prefer donkeys to elderly people, who are seen as “house blockers”, Esther Rantzen has said.

The broadcaster, 77, who founded the Silver Line in 2012 to help older people struggling with loneliness, said that they “don’t have the same pull on our emotions, and, I’m afraid, generosity, that guide dogs or donkeys do”. She said she was tired of negative portrayals of the “ageing society”, saying those past the prime of youth still had lots to offer.

She said: “Someone called the demographic the Graph Of Doom. I beg your pardon, am I an example of the doom that faces our nation?

“I’m thrilled David Attenborough is the inspiration behind Britain’s most popular television programme, Debbie Mcgee is absolutely wonderful, and ... is anyone going to say the two people in Buckingham Palace are past their sell-by date? Absolutely not. So instead of talking about older people as bed-blockers, house-blockers ... let’s prize them.”

Reflecting on Silver Line’s work, Dame Esther said one caller was a man in his late 60s whose wife had died. He was depressed and housebound, before picking up the phone.

“They were both great ballroom dancers. And suddenly he’s lost the love of his life and dancing partner,” she said. “One of our volunteers convinced him to go back dancing... and he slowly got his mojo back. Now he’s teaching ballroom classes every weekend.

“That’s what can happen if someone cares about you, takes time with you, and rebuilds your confidence.”