[jambutty]

Round about this time every year someone somewhere brings forward the thought that we should look out for our elderly neighbours because it is Xmas.

So they don’t count for the rest of the year?

I accept that some old folk will just want to live out the rest of their lives with their memories and not be bothered by neighbours and these people are difficult to keep in contact with. However are we not going about it all the wrong way?

The general consensus seems to be to make contact with a view to HELPING them.

What about making contact to ask them to help you instead? I don’t mean with material things but asking Mr or Mrs Old down the road if she can offer her experience and advice on ………

Next time your new born is red in the cheeks, crying and obviously teething, nip round to Mrs. Old and ask her if she knows why even if you know already. Or something like, my cake hasn’t risen, any idea why?

If Mr Old is known for his gardening prowess go and ask him about planting something.

There may be snow on the roof of a golden oldie and the body may be crumbling but there is a wealth of knowledge and experience in the loft and we all just love to impart that experience to others.

Make the golden oldie feel wanted not like someone who might need help.

Speaking as a 68 years old Apprentice Geriatric I would resent busy bodies poking their noses into my affairs, unless they were volunteering to vacuum the house and dust around or they were capable of making a good old fashioned steak and kidney pie. But if someone came round and asked about something that I have knowledge of, I would welcome them.