At Re-engage we believe you are never too old to make friends. We also like to think that you’re never too young to enjoy the company of an older person.

Our founder, Trevor Lyttleton, was inspired to start the charity by his grandmother, Gertrude, who was “highly entertaining with a rapier wit” and taught him that older people are great company.

During Global Intergenerational Week (April 24-30), I’m reflecting on the treasure trove of mutually-beneficial exchanges of information and knowledge between our younger volunteers and the older people they support. 

Maya, 86, has had a varied and fulfilling life, studying archaeology, attaining a doctorate at the Sorbonne University in Paris, teaching children in Ghana and having academic books published. Now blind and housebound she relies on regular chats from her Call Companion, Rachel, who is 23, to bring light to her life. She told me the calls from Rachel are hugely important to her and that ‘there was nothing for me until she came along.’ Rachel reads Maya stories and poems but also talks about everyday life, her family, friends and travels. As Maya succinctly puts it: ‘she lives her life through Rachel.’

Many of our younger Call Companions share how they learn so much from the incredible experiences of the older people they speak to and feel they benefit massively from the link. Connie is 28, and has built a good relationship during regular calls to 93-year-old Margaret, who she considers almost a relative. Like Maya and Rachel they discuss, work, music, family and despite the wide age gap they feel they can relate to each other. Margaret's mobility is impacted these days, but her mind is very active, and she feels the need to talk to someone to express her views and feelings. Connie says this is why the calls are so important to her, and at the end of their conversation she can hear that Margaret has ‘perked-up.’

At our tea parties it’s fairly common to see babies, toddlers and young children mixing with  guests who are delighted to see the younger generations. You can see the joy in their faces as they revel in their company.

As we forge ahead with our mission to end loneliness and isolation for those aged 75 and over - in a year when we're celebrating 60 years of bringing people together - we're taking time to pay tribute to the younger generations who are helping us make this happen.