Specsavers’ domiciliary service Home Visits has launched a hub for its older patients to share knowledge and skills with the younger generation.
The multiple’s #GenerationWOW initiative was created in partnership with the charity University of the Third Age (U3A) and has been backed by TV presenter Steph McGovern.
Dawn Roberts, clinical director for Specsavers Home Visits, said: ‘We are in the privileged position of being able to meet thousands of amazing people in their own homes every year. They may not be able to leave their homes without assistance anymore, but they have lost none of their zest for life.
‘Maintaining good vision is really important for all of us and really matters if a person is housebound – especially if they are living alone. We want to shine a light on Generation WOW and why we all have things to learn from them, and we are delighted to be working with U3A to bring that vision to life.’
Specsavers highlighted research which found 68% of over 60s said they had valuable knowledge that was going to waste and 52% believed younger generations weren’t interested. However, 87% of younger people said they were keen to learn from older people, especially about cooking, parenthood and money.
McGovern said her father was a professional artist and learning from him has given them the opportunity to spend time with each other. ‘I’m not sure I’ve inherited his talent, but I don’t do too badly thanks to the tips he has given me,’ she said.
