In the US, charity organisations will send a hospice volunteer to elderly homes to comfort the residents with conversation and care, and even bring their relatives and friends in to alleviate their loneliness.

A few years back, there was a memoir published by a 90-year-old in the US, who wrote about the potentials of old age and the lessons learned from decades of experience as a magazine correspondent. I believe indulging in his writing hobby for so many years was one of the reasons for his longevity, as it kept him busy without a moment of loneliness.

Having a hobby and finding an interest or continuing to work present the best remedy for loneliness among the elderly. Complete retirement can destroy the beauty of life.

Edmond Pang, Fanling