I feel that there is a solution to any problem big or small. No one knows where to find the solution or what it might be right away but eventually all problems will get solved. Treatment - The act, manner, or method of handling or dealing with someone or something: (“treatment”). I feel that this matter of loneliness can be treated through how people handle it. If people put in a helpful hand, things can be overcome.

One way I think this issue can be solved is having a program like Academic Service-Learning in all colleges. I think it should be a requirement for college students. This program is in St. John’s University and it is a class that some students have. Students would go to a nursing home and spend time with senior citizens. It is a way for students to learn ways of reacting with senior citizens. The students that have this program in their courses as a requirement are the pharmacy students. It is also available for other students in other majors. This program is supposed to help the students for their future careers. Pharmacists have to spend a lot of time with elderly people and their prescriptions, so this is a way to guide students on how to treat and react with senior citizens.

I feel that if this program becomes a requirement for all college students in any major, it will benefit both the students and the elderly. Students will learn how to treat senior citizens. I’ve seen in numerous occasions where young adults mistreated the elderly by making fun of them, calling them names or just being rude to them. I felt this was inappropriate and that it should change.

This program will help the elderly because they will have a companion. The senior citizens will interact with people younger than them; this idea is good for them. If the elderly interact with younger children, they remember their childhood and they reminisce on the good times. They also don’t have to worry about losing someone because the students interact with one senior citizen during the course. They will probably keep in contact with them because students who have taken up this program for college all have enjoyed the time they spent with someone in a nursing home.

Many elderly felt the same way I did on the matter that interaction with people is important. ”''It is critical for older people like me to develop new friendships because we are losing so many other relationships,'' said Mrs. Haber, who is 71. ''Family members die and lifelong friends move away. If the elderly don't replace these relationships, they can end up feeling lonely and isolated.''”(Johnson) This feeling of loneliness is scarier than most people think. Lots of health problems can come from it like dementia and depression. “''Developing new friendships is important for the elderly because it can help them maintain good mental health,'' said Dr. Roberto, co-author of a study of friendship among 116 men and women ranging in age from 65 to 91.” (Johnson)