• I HAVE read your coverage of loneliness in old age.

I have just achieved my 87th birthday, and sympathise with those souls who think in terms of “loneliness” rather than “aloneness”. I’d suggest trying to be comfortable in your own company.

In a sense, I am at ease being my housebound husband’s sole carer (over five years now). I am virtually his only link with the outside world and relay events. We are both avid readers, so that helps.

About Christmas for the elderly, I recently wrote to both print and electronic media suggesting an idea mainly for such people who might be spending Christmas day on their own – a radio phone-in where such people could be in touch with others and say what their day’s activities may involve.

This idea was inspired by one which, as youngsters in the Caribbean, enjoyed with relatives and friends studying abroad. I hope that, along with your Christmas hamper effort, this idea can be considered.

GERALDA DENNISON
Address supplied