Elderly people are becoming increasingly isolated and lonely – but one charity in Bromley is stepping up to change this narrative.
According to data from AgeUK, 7% of people aged 65+ in the UK are “often lonely”, while around 1 in 40 people aged 65 and over in England go an entire week without speaking to a friend or family member.
In Bromley, however, one branch of the University of Third Age (u3a), a charity empowering retirees to stay active and share hobbies, is tackling the issue through French Literature.
The u3a Bromley French (Contemporary Literature) group studies 21st-century French texts to gain a better understanding of modern society and life, but members say that they joined for something even more essential: human connection.
One member, Fenella Wood, who is a widow, said: “I always feel cheerful when I come out. It’s a nice little fixed point.
“It’s really nice to know it’s there.”
She also said that if the group wasn’t available to her she would “still be open to reading French, but socially would miss it.”
Another member who also lives alone, Susanne Cocker, shared that the group helps members connect and socialise informally with one another outside of group events.
She said: “From the group, I have attended the theatre with one member and a couple of musical events with another as well as discussing a few opportunities to do other things such as painting and dancing.
“I feel it does help to have an idea of who might share an interest and the chat we have in the group about our lives helps with this.”
The French Literature group meet on the first and third Tuesday mornings of each month and rotate hosting duties each time.
As part of how they stay socially connected, members also use a group WhatsApp to keep in touch between meetings, checking in if someone is unwell or needs support.
They are currently reading Les Flammes de Pierre by Jean-Christophe Rufin, an untranslated French novel that follows a powerful romantic bond unfolding in the high peaks of Mont Blanc.
Speaking about the book, Cocker said: “I have enjoyed it. Some of the vocabulary was challenging, and although I will probably never start a conversation about mountain activities, I will be more easily able to follow one.”
The group have also organized outings together, such as going to see the film version of one of their books, The Mystery of Henri Pick, at the French Institute in South Kensington.
Without intervention, the number of people aged 65 and over who frequently experience loneliness in England is projected to surpass over one million by 2034.
In the fight against loneliness and isolation, finding an active hobby like reading a good French book with fellow retirees – and keeping in touch through WhatsApp and the odd group outing – may just be the best bridge for human connection for the elderly.
Older adults in South-East London seeking ways to combat isolation can visit the u3a Bromley website to find a variety of local interest groups.
In addition to contemporary French literature, options include Art, Astronomy, Chess, Philosophy and Poetry.
Featured image credit: u3a Bromley French (Contemporary Lit) group
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