The other week I was working from home and glad of it, as the day was cold, dark and miserable.

I had planned to go along to a local lunch club to meet people and chat to them about the Outside the Box projects ‘Falkirk Food Buddies‘ and ‘Money Owls‘, but I wasn’t looking forward to having to leave the house. However, plans are plans and I forced myself to go. As soon as I entered the church hall I was greeted by a couple of smiling volunteers who seemed genuinely happy to see me.

I went into the bright large room where the lunch was being served. It was quite busy, there were no empty tables but some spare seats. I stopped at a chair next to 2 ladies deep in conversation. They immediately looked up at me and smiled and encouraged me to sit down and join them. This is how I met Theresa and Chrissy, lifelong friends, who in their 70s have a social life putting many younger people to shame.

They go out every day, taking full advantage of what’s available in their local area. They regularly go away together on organised trips or go away for the day using their bus pass. They are so full of life, giggling like school girls whilst regaling me with their stories. Meeting them really made my day and I look forward to seeing them again. I hope that when I get to their age I will be as happy and active as they are; they prove old age can be a great time in our lives.