Grandma Angela, 98, crochets on the streets of Rome to combat boredom and loneliness.

She hand-sews doilies and potholders and sells them at her charming market. Her story has sparked a wave of affection and solidarity, but Grandma Angela doesn't need help: crocheting makes her feel active and allows her to be among people. Her story, however, has drawn attention to the plight of elderly people living alone.

how to combat loneliness among the elderly

HOW TO FIGHT LONELINESS IN THE ELDERLY

Many have seen her sitting at the exit of the Lepanto metro station, in the Prati district of Rome, alone and intent on sewing, with her skilled hands, doilies and potholders. And many were impressed by Angela, a tender grandmother of well , believing it was an elderly person in extreme difficulty like many others who unfortunately cannot make it to the end of the month and, at times, are forced to beg.

The solidarity of those who crossed her path was immediate: almost all the passers-by offered to buy the wonderful creations displayed in her charming little market, and her photo went viral on social media, sparking a wave of emotion. One young man even created a WhatsApp group to promote and share the doilies made by Grandma Angela, encouraging people to buy them.

ALSO READ: Let's not leave seniors and summer alone. It's not fair and it's not helpful for anyone (photo)

GRANDMA ANGELA'S STORY

Angela, fortunately, but he is not a needy person but a wonderful, active, energetic and very sociable grandmother who, thanks to the market, combines her two greatest passions: crochet e contact with people.

As his son Stefano explained to Fanpage.it, Angela is in excellent health, is self-sufficient and does not need financial assistance Because she receives his pension and he's there to take care of her: "Sewing makes her feel active and does it for herself. She doesn't want to stay at home but goes out into the fresh air and see the hustle and bustle of people walking in the street. I've always left her free."

Once the news of the demonstrations was learned, solidarity triggered by his mother, Stefano thanked all the kind-hearted people who had offered to help her by asking them to allocate their money to those who really need it.

TO KNOW MORE: Bagno a Ripoli offers "anti-loneliness" pizza delivery to the town's seniors.

HOW TO HELP ELDERLY PEOPLE WHO ARE ALONE

A curious and beautiful story that of grandmother Angela, an active and lively lady who would never have imagined becoming a real social media star and who, unknowingly, managed to break down the wall of indifference to the drama of lonely elderly people e in difficultyWe are in summer, a time for rest, sea and holidays but not for many grandparents for whom July and August become synonymous with solitudeA condition that can lead to depression. A few days ago, a 91-year-old Neapolitan woman, in desperation, called 113, pretending to be robbing her home. She later explained to the officers who rushed to her aid, once on the scene, that she had staged the robbery just to have some company: she hadn't left the house for a month and, with the little money she needs to live, she can't afford a caregiversThe officers were moved and, after offering her a cappuccino at the bar, entrusted her to the care of the local parish so that she would no longer suffer from loneliness.

TO LEARN MORE: Open for Holidays, a project to keep seniors company when they're left alone during the summer.

ELDERLY PEOPLE ALONE AND ABANDONED

Yet the elderly, our grandparents, I am a truly irreplaceable figure: they support the family and they give us affection and unconditional love without asking for anything in return, except a pinch of our time. Their company is precious: an invaluable source of memories, experiences, and life lessons. Moments and emotions that never go on vacation and cannot be wasted.

Fortunately, there are many associations and volunteers who are committed to providing help and support to the frail and lonely elderly. However, all of us, despite our chaotic and constantly rushed days, we can make ourselves usefulDo you know that an elderly person lives in the apartment next door? Don't be afraid of seeming intrusive. Maybe he's just waiting for you to ring his doorbell.

ASSOCIATIONS AND PROJECTS TO HELP ELDERLY PEOPLE WHO ARE ALONE:

Want to see a selection of our news?