LONELINESS shared is purpose found, thanks to a volunteer campaign that brings old and young people together.
Working in partnership with mental health charity spur.org, Anglicare Queensland is running #OLDMATE, which aims to build connections and improve mental wellbeing for both groups.
Anglicare says loneliness is the leading cause of poor mental health among people aged 18-25 and over 65.
"#OLDMATE is a great opportunity to connect those two groups," said Louise Firth, marketing and communications manager for Anglicare.
She said loneliness also had alarming impact on physical health.
"It was amazing to us that almost every day there seemed to be a new research paper about loneliness and its effects. One of the studies said it can affect your health more than smoking, poor diet and lack of exercise."
Taking part in #OLDMATE is easy, with young people simply pledging to meet up with an older person for one hour a month.
Volunteers come in two groups: those who already have an older person in their life - say, a grandparent - and others who are put in touch with an Anglicare client (subject to the usual checks).
Louise said the take-up rate had been remarkable, with 1300 young people volunteering so far.
"It's surprising how much common ground there is. Both sides are able to learn so much from each other. Often with our younger volunteers they're able to ask for life advice and get some great feedback from someone who's been through it all, seen it all.
And seniors can learn from the young despite the age gap.
"It's amazing how they still find ways to connect," Louise said. "For example, we had a client who just loved to sing who met up with a young woman who played the ukulele. Or the lady who had lost her sight and had a volunteer come and read for her."
#OLDMATE's website lists 54 activities that young and old can do together, ranging from going out for coffee, playing a board game, attending a sporting event or going to an art class.
