Being lonely is a terrible feeling that many of us know all about. For a lot of people though, a friend will eventually come along and help turn things around.
But do you ever think about the people out there that don’t have someone to pull them out of their slumps? Sadly, many retirement homes are filled with elderly residents who don’t have a lot of friends to call on when they’re feeling lonely.
This one Scottish med student is trying to change that.
Fraser is only 20-years-old, but realizes the importance of human interaction and the joy that it brings people. He knows that people need it in their life to be happy, and sees a population where it’s not happening.
So he has taken matters into his own hands.
A few times a week, Fraser heads to his local retirement home and picks up some of the residents, and takes them for rickshaw rides. Now, it might seem like a simple activity, but it’s making a huge difference.
His bike service was created to get elderly people out of the house for a little bit, while also offering company, conversation, and fresh air along the way.
The reactions and results have been nothing but positive. Just look at the joy on the residents’ faces.
Right now he is only completing about 4-5 rides a week since the outings depend mostly on volunteers. Though that may seem like very few rides, more than 60 residents from one care center in Scotland have gone out with Fraser on his bike trips.
“When I first started going out, I thought it was marvelous.” says Mary, a regular rider. “Such a change to get out of the 4 walls. I really enjoy it. The fresh air and the wind in your hair.” she told BBC.
Mary was even more excited when her friend Chris was able to join them on the bike one afternoon. Their faces lit up as Fraser drove through the trails around the home.
Fraser plans to extend his services as far as he can throughout Scotland.
“I think projects like this can make society better.” Fraser says of his endeavor.
Many people online love his idea and agree that it could be beneficial. One person commented:
“This should be happening every where ! So many elders have been put in homes and forgotten. This warms my heart!”
Another viewer wrote:
“Very nice! Bringing new friendships and fresh air to Senior Shut-Ins. WAY TO GO! ♥️”
The quality of life for seniors living in retirement homes is so important, and it is actions like these that make a world of difference. Hopefully, viewers aren’t only inspired to volunteer their time at retirement homes – but to call up loved ones and check in on them more often. Perhaps even plan fun activities too!
Watch the video below to see how big of smiles these riders have on their outing. Isn’t this just such a heartwarming idea?
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
