I READ with interest your front-page article on loneliness, now endemic in our society, and the moving examples cited in the article of the lengths some older people are subjecting themselves to, simply for a bit of company( “The scourge of loneliness” , The Herald, October 28).

Having worked in a voluntary capacity with the elderly whilst a student, and also having regular interaction with older people, I have experienced what loneliness can do to some of the older members of our society, in particular those of a certain age who, perhaps through bereavement, disability, ill health or location, are unable to get out and pursue everyday activities and socialise with others in their area. The provision of a befriender, weekly lunch club, coffee morning or other social functions can make a big difference, giving them a sense of purpose to their week and something to look forward to, with the added bonus of continued social inclusion, which surely contributes to a better quality of life.

Furthermore, many in society may perhaps feel they do not have the time or patience to visit the elderly, and perhaps forget the plight of those to whom a telephone call or a friendly greeting would mean so much. This plight is highlighted further when one accounts that many who now find themselves in this unenviable position are people who were actively involved in helping to rebuild our society in the immediate post-war period and beyond, and many of whom have life stories of real courage and bravery: to think that they have now been de facto “forgotten” is not an enviable admission for society to make.

John McMenemy,

14 Braeside Avenue, Milngavie.