Three generations of families come together to tackle loneliness among elderly

From teens to grandmothers, the families are linked by a shared desire to combat what is an increasingly important issue as Northern Ireland’s population ages.

Projections have indicated the number of people aged 65 and over will increase by almost 45% over the next 25 years, while the number of people aged 85 and over is expected to more than double.

Isolation is a growing concern for those cohorts of the community, as people left feeling alone and vulnerable can fall victim to depression as well as a serious decline in physical health and wellbeing.

In Bangor, 15-year-old Cara Chapple wanted to gain experience and make a difference in the community. She began volunteering at a sheltered living scheme in the seaside city, Abbeyfield House on Ward Avenue, where she was soon joined by her mother Emily while her nan, Pru Bates, also signed up to help when needed.

Said Emily: “Volunteering has been such a positive experience for our family. The residents are great company and we've built some lovely friendships.”

Pru loves listening to, and sharing in, the residents’ stories, while Cara enjoys planning out activities and seeing how the people in Abbeyfield House take part.

“It’s amazing how something as simple as a quiz or a game can brighten someone’s day,” said Cara.

At another Bangor home run by the same housing association, Abbeyfield and Wesley, 14-year-old Meredith started volunteering as part of her Duke of Edinburgh bronze award. Her 89-year-old grandmother, Nell Hire, moved into the facility in the Ballyholme part of the city after the death of her husband last year, and Meredith’s mother Hilary also volunteers there.

Said Hilary: “What started as supporting Meredith with her volunteering has become something we both genuinely look forward to every week. The residents have so many wonderful stories to share and it’s lovely to see the enjoyment the activities bring.”

Meredith added: “I love spending time with the residents. The music and quizzes are always popular, and it’s nice seeing everyone joining in and having fun together.”

Nell revealed that moving into the home gave her “companionship and friendship when I needed it most”.

“There’s always someone to talk to and plenty going on if you want to join in,” she stated.

The two families shared their stories to mark Loneliness Awareness Week, a campaign that seeks to inspire conversations about social isolation while promoting activities to bring people together and boost connections.

Organisers hope to reduce the stigma around the issue, as well as create a sense of belonging and reduce loneliness in communities.

The chief executive of Abbeyfield and Wesley Housing Association, Patrick Thompson, emphasised that while loneliness can affect anyone, older people can be particularly vulnerable after bereavement, retirement or health challenges.

“As Northern Ireland's population ages, creating opportunities for meaningful connection will become increasingly important,” he said. “Our volunteers play a vital role in helping residents feel valued, included and part of a community.

“The volunteers we see in Ballyholme and Ward Avenue demonstrate the power of community, and the positive impact intergenerational relationships can have on wellbeing.”