Lonely 90-Year-Old Lady Asks Neighbor to Be Her Friend in a Heartbreaking Note

For some people, getting older means having fewer and fewer friends. This is especially true for those in their golden years. A lot of the elderly in our society experience isolation and loneliness, and these can greatly affect the quality of their remaining years. But there’s something we can do about it.

Marleen Brooks of Missouri one day came home to see a heartbreaking note from her 90-year-old neighbor named Wanda. The old lady lived down the street from Brooks and was feeling extremely lonely.

In her note, Wanda asked Brooks if the two of them could be friends.

Wanda’s note read:

“Would you consider to become my friend. I’m 90 years old – live alone. All my friends have passed away. I am so lonesome and scared. Please I pray for someone.”

Brooks said:

“Came home to this note from a lady that lives down the street from me. 😢 Makes my heart sad, but on the bright side it looks like I will be getting a new friend.”

Brooks, along with another friend, visited Wanda and even brought cupcakes.

Brooks described her neighbor as a “sweet lady” who was “over the moon” when she came over. She said:

“Wanda told me: ‘I hope you didn’t think I was stupid for writing you, but I had to do something. Thank you so much for coming over. I’ve lived here for 50 years and don’t know any of my neighbors.’

I also made sure that Wanda knew she can call us at anytime and that I’ll be back to spend time with her! I’m sure Wanda and I will have some great times.”

Brooks’ experience should be a reminder to all of us to better care for the elderly.

A lot of the elderly experience neglect, isolation, and loneliness, and these can seriously affect their health and well-being. A 2012 study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences says that social isolation and loneliness are correlated with a higher risk of mortality in adults aged 52 and up.

What do you think of this story? Share it with your friends and remember to care for the elderly more!