THERE is one good thing about getting old, Jamie Borthwick is told by a cheeky OAP – and that’s being able to get away with anything.
The EastEnders actor visited a Chatty Chums morning to donate his time to the older generation and hear some of their stories ahead of Christmas.
His trip to Gravesend, Kent, which culminated in a dance lesson, is part of The Sun’s Christmas SOS Appeal with Age UK.
It has shone a light on the loneliness and isolation many older people face at this time of year.
Jamie, 30, said: “It’s incredibly important to keep talking to the older generation. I don’t think many of us realise just how much spending that time with your grandparents or other elderly people makes a difference.
“Just having a little chat really helps change your perspective on life, when you hear all the things they’ve lived through.
“I’ve loved being here and getting the chance to speak to everyone.”
All this month The Sun has been shining a light on Age UK’s vital work offering day centres, lunch clubs and classes for older people with the aim of combating isolation.
We have been urging readers to give time or money to support Age UK’s amazing services and change the lives of older people.
The gift of time
You could give the gift of time by volunteering for Age UK’s Telephone Friendship Service or its 24-hour Silver Line helpline, which is open 24 hours a day, including Christmas Day.
Offering at least 20 to 30 minutes a week to chat with an isolated older person could make a huge difference to their feelings of isolation.
Jamie, who plays Jay Brown in the BBC soap, made the visit to Age UK’s Kent Rivers branch in Gravesend between his hectic Strictly Come Dancing tour rehearsals and EastEnders filming schedule.
He bonded with fellow Essex native Maureen, and after being grilled about his time on Albert Square, she shared her life stories with him.
Recalling a teenage romance, she said: “My parents took me to New Zealand for two years and I met this boy who told me that when I was 18, he’d move to England and marry me.
“We were lovers. He arrived in England and called me to ask me to meet him at Charing Cross Station.
“I did, and as he was running towards me, I thought ‘Oh my God, I can’t marry him’.
“By this point, I had met another man called Harry when I went out dancing with my sister. He kept asking me to dance, but I’d always say no and say I’d come with my sister. But he persisted for three weeks.”
The coffee morning we dropped in on took place at the Royal Clarendon Hotel, which has an assisted living facility for vulnerable older people.
The food here is very good. I’m quite gregarious by nature, so it’s nice to have somewhere to come where I can talk to people and not feel lonely
Alan
One of the residents is Alan, 81, who has Parkinson’s, and has been living alone since his wife was taken into a care home.
He told Jamie: “The food here is very good. I’m quite gregarious by nature, so it’s nice to have somewhere to come where I can talk to people and not feel lonely.”
James, 80, started going to the Chatty Chums coffee morning after losing his wife a year ago.
He said: “I’ve been on my own since my wife died, and it’s nice to have a bit of company one day a week.
“I’ve never been on my own for the past 50 or so years, but when you lose somebody that’s it.
“You’ve got to start all over again. It’s hard to get back on the dating scene, as you young ones call it. It’s very hard for an older person.
“Some people are really chatty, while some keep to themselves. I like to try to get people going.”
Later, James joked that being old wasn’t all that bad.
Smiling, he said: “Being older, you do get some advantages.
“You can get away with murder, within reason!”
Keen to show off his new dancing skills, Jamie treated the pensioners to a masterclass on how to dance — all from the comfort of their chairs.
He taught his rapt audience how to do a chassé — moving one foot out then bringing your feet back together.
It’s just been so lovely. These are happy tears
Margaret
They then added in some arm movements and James said with a laugh: “It’s the first time I’ve worked up a sweat in years.”
At the end of his visit, Jamie said: “I’ve absolutely loved being here and seeing all the smiles.
“Sitting and listening to their stories has been so fascinating, and I really do think this generation grew up in the best of times.
“We’ve done a bit of dancing and really got into the festive spirit. It’s been brilliant.”
I’ve absolutely loved being here and seeing all the smiles. Sitting and listening to their stories has been so fascinating, and I really do think this generation grew up in the best of times
Jamie Borthwick
After Jamie left, diner Margaret, 92, shed a few tears, saying: “It’s just been so lovely. These are happy tears.”
Tracy Rodwell, from Three Rivers Age UK, said: “Jamie was exceptional — his easy-going nature, ability to engage with our clients and listen to their stories made a wonderful atmosphere of warmth and connection.
‘Most precious thing’
“It goes without saying that the gift of time — that is, time to listen and time to talk — is the most precious thing for older people.”
As part of our SOS at Christmas Campaign we are also urging people to check in on an older person they might know, who may be alone this Christmas.
Age UK charity director Caroline Abrahams said: “This winter will be extremely hard for millions of pensioners on a low income.
“The combination of the energy cap rising and the Winter Fuel Payment disappearing for millions means many older households will experience real anxiety and financial hardship.”
Jamie was exceptional — his easy-going nature, ability to engage with our clients and listen to their stories made a wonderful atmosphere of warmth and connection
Tracy Rodwell
Figures from Age UK reveal that one in ten pensioners say they do not have anyone to turn to.
Your generous donations will also help fund Age UK’s vital free and confidential helpline on 0800 169 6565 — open from 8am-7pm, 365 days a year — which offers advice on everything from finance to bereavement and isolation.
