The significance of stories | Discover

Showcasing experiences of later life

As part of Age UK’s own Christmas Appeal last year, Brenda spoke out for the thousands of lonely older people who find their lives changed beyond recognition. Losing loved ones or the ability to get out and about has led to almost a million older people feeling lonely. So, when Brenda described her Age UK telephone friend, Jasmine, as a bright spot in a day where’s she not spoken to a soul, it struck a chord with the nation.

Stories like these immerse us in the reality of what life can be like for older people, their families, friends and carers in the UK today. They paint a vivid picture of the work that Age UK does to ensure no older person struggles alone.

Stories are important in highlighting the range of older people’s experience, too – and there is plenty of inspiration to be found. John, 92, has run 50 marathons and is still showing the over-50s how to stay active. He continues to motivate us on social media. Meanwhile, older people living with dementia are looking after their mental and emotional wellbeing at Maintenance Cognitive Stimulation Therapy sessions across the UK.

Though our storytellers give their time to us for free, many of them find that the experience is its own reward. Brenda calls her starring role in an Age UK campaign one of the highlights of her life. “When you asked me to be in an advert, I thought you were joking at first. I couldn’t believe it,” she admits. “I thought I was privileged to be in one.”

Her neighbours and family were equally impressed. “When I saw the adverts, I thought they were lovely,” Brenda says. “My daughter put a poster of me up at work, and the people round here thought it was good too. I did feel like a celebrity and the film crew were so nice. Thank you for having me!”

Age UK Telephone Friendship Service user Ron could not believe the response when he was featured on the Age UK website in a story about his relationship with his daughter, Simone. “I had that many responses I was made up! All the people at my daughter’s work were reading it on the wards,” he says.

We’re proud of the way we tell stories, but we can’t do it without your help. If you are an Age UK service user, volunteer or fundraiser and would like to share your story, we’d love to hear from you.