Don’t forget lonely after lockdown

What the coronavirus pandemic has brought home to me is how lonely some people are.

In an age when communicating with family or a friend on the other side of the country takes no more than a few clicks of a mouse, or a few taps on a mobile screen, it is very sad that, as a society, we are more lonely than we have ever been.

And no other age group feels the sting of loneliness more than the elderly.

It’s the thought that counts. Something as simple as taking round a magazine or dropping off a little present of their favourite food – while taking precautions – goes a long way to making an older person feel loved and connected with the world.

I’ve been visiting my 94-yearold neighbour daily – while social distancing. It’s not a chore. I enjoy my short time with her and I like to think I am making her feel less lonely. And I will be doing it even when lockdown rules are much more relaxed.

I hope others won’t forget to give up some of their time for the elderly – in their families and in their neighbourhood. Tijhana Aitchison, Birkenhead, Wirral