Supporting an Older Friend Through a Hard Season
Launch library · evergreen read
Older friends can sometimes be reluctant to burden others with their difficulties, particularly if they grew up with the expectation of simply getting on with things. This can make it harder to notice when they are genuinely struggling. This kind of attention rarely goes to waste, even when its impact is not immediately visible.
Regular, unhurried visits, and questions that give space for an honest answer rather than a polite deflection, can help open things up. Practical offers of help, like a lift to an appointment, can also create natural opportunities for deeper conversation. A willingness to try, even imperfectly, tends to count for a great deal here.
Beyond Blue offers support relevant to older Australians on 1300 22 4636, and Lifeline is available at any hour on 13 11 14. This is worth doing regardless of how the other person responds at first. It is fair to expect some hesitation before taking this step, and that is completely normal.