The report from the WRVS, formerly the Women's Royal Voluntary Service, describes how "fragmented" family life in the UK can leave older people stranded with little contact from their own children.

BBC: Many elderly isolated from far-away family, charity says

From the Women's Royal Voluntary Service, working in our hospitals and communities, to the volunteers working at National Trust properties or the voluntary work of faith-based charities, volunteers are more likely to be naturally silver.

BBC: Growing up about growing old