Students and elderly pair up to combat loneliness
A project has been launched to combat loneliness and promote the exchanging of skills in Devon.The University of Exeter said the scheme paired older people in Exmouth with international students.Dr Yuxi Heluo, assistant professor at the University of Exeter Business School, said the project aimed to get the elderly to share their "life wisdoms and experience", while the students helped them learn how to use items such as phones, tablets and laptops.She added: "This helps the older people with things like checking NHS records or buying groceries online."
The government's University Mental Health Charter found that 90% of students in the UK considered themselves lonely.This was one of the reasons Dr Heluo set up the project.But, as well as fighting loneliness, it has had bonus outcomes, such as true friendships.Sue Wright said her student Jessie regularly went to stay with her.She said: "Though we're generations apart, we have lots in common."Two of the other members of the project, Christine Chittock and Pam Hampson, found it broke the stereotypes they held about students.Ms Chittock said: "It gave us the opportunity to see that students aren't just always on their phones.""Or out drinking and partying," Ms Hampson added.
Members of the group said they had found this year to be a great success but would like to see the exchange taken further next time.Mary Latham and Natalie Leung were paired up for this academic year.Ms Latham said: "Not only could she teach me about the computer, she could have cooked me a meal as well."Ms Leung said Mary was going to cook her a Sunday roast as she as never had one.She added: "I think it is really nice to share food."
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