International Exeter Uni students paired up with elderly people to combat loneliness
The government’s University Mental Health Charter states that 90% of UK students say they feel lonely
A new project in Devon aims to tackle loneliness and encourage people to share their skills.
The University of Exeter pairs older residents in Exmouth with international students to build lasting friendships, improve digital literacy, and help reduce student loneliness.
The Tech-and-Life Pal project encourages older adults to share their life experience and wisdom with students, while students support them in learning essential digital skills like using a smartphone or laptop.
Dr. Yuxi Heluo, assistant professor at the University of Exeter Business School, launched the project as a research trial, but its success means it will likely continue.
She said: “The older people share their life wisdom with students to support them with life skills and life experience.
“At the same time the students help older people with how to use smartphones and tablets or help them with things such as how to check my NHS record, how to buy tickets or order groceries online.”
According to the government’s University Mental Health Charter, 90% of UK students say they feel lonely, while Age UK reports that most older adults struggle with digital technology.
Dr. Heluo launched the project partly to address these issues, and beyond reducing loneliness and boosting digital literacy, it has also sparked genuine, lasting friendships.
Sue Wright, from Exmouth, said former Exeter student Jessie He has helped her with IT and now regularly goes to stay with her. She said: “Jessie was a great blessing and it’s an amazing programme.”
Jessie meanwhile said that as an international student there were life skills and guidance that Sue really helped her with.
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Project members Christine Chittock and Pam Hampson discovered that the programme challenged their stereotypes about students.
Ms Chittock said: “It gave us the opportunity to see that students aren’t just always on their phones.”
Ms Hampson added: “Or out drinking and partying.”
Group members praised this year’s exchange as a great success and hope to expand it even further next time.
Dr Heluo stressed the importance of building intergenerational relationships. She said: “Communication between the generations is crucial for a sustainable and healthy society.”
Featured image via University of Exeter
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