Welcome to The Link!

We are a group of students from the University of Birmingham who are aiming to not only bridge a generational divide but also foster long term, meaningful friendships between older people and younger students.

 

Evident physical and mental health side effects have been recorded as a result of loneliness, with studies estimating it is as harmful for your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Medical professionals and politicians alike are calling it a ‘growing epidemic’.

 

Our key aim is to reduce loneliness as a problem, which we have recognised as a crucial issue amongst the older generation, with over 1.9million people in the UK feeling ignored or invisible (according to Age UK). But also surprisingly high and prevalent within the student community; 18-24 year olds are 4 times as likely to feel lonely ‘most of the time’ as those aged over 70.

 

Through using a digital platform we are aiming to utilise the expanding technology to reach those who perhaps are most difficult to get in contact with, as well as making it an accessible and easy process to encourage participation. As Angenent (2016) suggests, technology can certainly be used to cure loneliness.

 

The Link is an easy to use website and app combination which allows connections across generations of those with and also without similar interests, acting as a vehicle to bring together older and younger generations. We aim to change perceptions, create significant relationships and ultimately make an impact on the shaping of society; one in which social isolation is greatly reduced.