To celebrate international friendship day, and to highlight the importance of companionship, Lilian Faithful, a charity with over 75 years’ experience of providing care for older people, is shining a light on their cycling project affiliated with the ‘Cycling without Age’ initiative. The residents have also shared their advice for the younger generation on how to develop/keep friendships. You can find this below.
The initiative was created to combat loneliness, a prolific issue for those over 75. According to Age UK more than 2 million people in England over the age of 75 live alone, and more than a million older people say they go over a month without speaking to a friend, neighbour or family member.
Cycle rides and care homes might not seem to go hand in hand, but thanks to the trishaw donated to Lilian Faithfull Care from Signal, residents from the care homes are able to rediscover the fun of a bike ride and enjoy time with a friend.
Apparently, around 11% of children aged 10 to 15 years, said that they were “often” lonely. A lot of the residents at Lilian Faithfull Care have had many years of experience dealing with friendships, and have provided some advice for the younger generation on how to develop, and keep friendships.
Advice for the younger generation on how to make friends and keep them
- Remember special occasions
- Mix with other people
- Join a club
- Be supportive
- Always be polite and well mannered
