A phone line has been launched for young people to get advice and guidance—from the elderly.
The mini call center opened on March 27 to enable young adults access to pearls of wisdom from older generations.
Whether you’ve got a dilemma, are feeling lonely, or simply need some relationship advice, a quick call could be just the ticket for some perspective on the matter.
Voluntary staff will be working a six-hour shift and will be supplied with endless tea, coffee, biscuits, and ready meals in exchange for their wisdom.
The phone line is being trialed by meal delivery company Parsley Box, which takes orders via a call center as well as online, to better cater to its customers, whose average age is 76.
“So often, it’s made out that older adults are looking for someone to speak to, but we believe there’s so much knowledge and experience they can offer to the younger generations,” Ian Morrison, from Parsley Box, said. “So, we wanted to try something unique and give young people the opportunity to pick up the phone to a welcoming older adult on hand ready to provide advice on whatever topic they choose.
“Depending on the success of the trial, we could certainly look to make it a regular thing as it’s a win-win for all generations.”
It follows research involving 500 adults over 60 years old that found 49 percent of participants wished they could advise younger generations on topics ranging from financial planning to self-confidence.
Health and wellness, coping with change, and relationship advice were other varying topics they felt they could provide nuggets of wisdom for.
However, 39 percent were rarely asked for advice by younger generations—with 23 percent having never encountered it at all.
Interestingly, the need more than matches the desire to give. A further study of 500 young adults, aged 18 to 30, revealed that 74 percent wished they asked older adults for guidance more frequently.
And 84 percent said the wisdom of experience should be called upon more than it is, according to the data from OnePoll.
However, among those young adults, 42 percent stop short of asking due to the potential of differing views between generations, while 36 percent worry their problem will seem silly.
And 26 percent lack the confidence to ask. The same number are unable to remember the last time they went to someone over 60 for their thoughts, despite 58 percent citing that the greater life experience of older people makes them perfect for lending advice.
Experience dealing with a range of situations themselves, their abundant wisdom, and their ability to give a wider perspective were the other top reasons retirees were seen as a great source of guidance.
The phone line hours are 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and can be dialed at 1-800-488-0604.
“The research clearly shows there’s an appetite for the phone line, which is great,” Mr. Morrison said. “We hope young adults can take the leap to get something off their chest with someone who is willing to listen and provide their thoughts in a friendly and positive way.
“This is also a great way to provide older adults with a feeling of purpose and self-worth when sometimes it can be a little lonely if people overlook you for those key conversations—particularly when you have so much wisdom to impart.”
