LETTER OF THE MONTH

I totally agreed with Roger Black’s suggestion to launch a buddy-up system for young and old to reduce isolation from the “If I Ruled The World” feature in your April magazine.

When I worked at a charity for the elderly, we arranged a few intergenerational tea events between elderly people and school children and the benefits for both young and old were clear to see.

The smiles between both generations while chatting, and the interest shown in each other was deeply moving, especially the hugs and laughter throughout the day. Each generation can stand to learn a lot from each other, and I think that regular intergenerational events in our schools and communities would be a great thing too, as social isolation is sadly spreading through all age groups.

Older people have such good stories to tell and such wisdom to learn from, which we should embrace, before they are gone and it is too late. Geraldine Syson, Glasgow