Advice For A Really, Really Lonely Elderly Gentleman?

[Smowball]

I was out delivering to a couple of customers the other week when coming towards me was an elderly man walking two little dogs. One of the dogs started pulling towards me and I ended up giving it a bit of a fuss. We then ended having a chat ( with the man not the dog!)
He said I was the first person he’d spoken to in days, and how lonely he was since his wife died. I felt so bad for him. Then I don’t know what possessed me but I asked if he was on FB. Funnily enough he said yes, but didn’t really use it.

Anyway when I got home I looked and found him on FB. Don’t know why really, thought maybe I’d send the odd hello here and there. So I did. He replied today, saying how much he’d enjoyed our chat and that he was still incredibly lonely. I just didn’t know what to say, so I asked him about family and neighbours. He said he has no family, and he has one neighbour who is completely deaf.

I really don’t know what to say or do, but I can’t do nothing..... sooooo any suggestions guys??

[Mamyalynne]

Check out local clubs, over 60s lunch groups etc?

[Buenchico]

Put him in touch with Age UK:
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/services/befriending-services/

[anneasquith]

Is this the same man you posted about recently ?

[Smowball]

Yes but I didn’t expect him to message me today. He says he’s trying to grasp FB. Was thinking maybe there are some FB groups he could join??

[Sqad]

LOL ^^^

The very same Asquith.

[sherrardk]

Do you have a Men’s Shed in your area? https://menssheds.org.uk/

[anneasquith]

Sqad, when we have your attention , please revisit the thread re wet rooms .

[Smowball]

Ahh I didn’t even know Age UK did that.
Over 60 clubs - I’ll have a little google.

[Smowball]

Men’s Shed - never even heard of that. You lot are a mine of information!

[Calicogirl]

If he's fit and healthy volunteering might work for him. Loneliness can hit anyone at any age, single or married,at any time. Certainly in NY I felt very isolated and volunteered at a soup kitchen for Thanksgiving and so on and it worked well for me at the time, so perhaps him helping someone else would take the edge off his own isolation? Tons of charities around that need help. I'm sure would be glad of him.

[Smowball]

That’s another idea.... he looked fairly healthy for his age.

[calmck]

Any charity shop in the area he could help out in? Any dog walking group, or church group

[bednobs]

silverline used to call my mil https://www.thesilverline.org.uk/

[Buenchico]

More links:
https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/helpful-links/

[lady-janine]

Some churches have an Over 60's club and organise all sorts of things and outings. He may not be religious but if he goes along he will get company and activities. Does not have to attend that church or any church usually.

[Sqad]

Thanks Anne,,,I have just revisited it and i really am careful...thanks.

[237SJ]

What about U3A? I have heard that is good.

[Buenchico]

A link to support 237SJ's post:
https://www.u3a.org.uk/

[anneasquith]

You don’t want a fractured femur , be careful ;*)

[Smowball]

Thank you all SO much for all the links - absolutely loads to be getting on with. Just hope he doesn’t think I’m intruding too much.