Why Bill signed up to a Samarathon at 85

Bill Barton is a Samaritans supporter from Reigate, Surrey. The Samaritans provides free confidential non-judgemental emotional support, 24/7, for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide. At the age of 85, Bill decided to sign up to a ‘Samarathon’ to raise money for the Samaritans, and motivate him to get walking, and get talking! Read on to find out how he is supporting Be More Us.  

I have been long term supporter of Samaritans and when I saw their launch of a virtual marathon this summer, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to get moving and get out there whilst fundraising for a great charity.

“I felt that having the challenge made me more active and it sparked up many conversations with family and friends.”

‘Samarathon’ invited people of all ages to walk, jog or run the distance of a marathon over the month of July. 26.2 miles (the distance of a marathon) is a huge physical challenge for someone aged 85 years old; however, this allowed me to go at my own pace and take part with others, so I jumped at the chance, as did my wife. I felt that having the challenge made me more active and it sparked up many conversations with family and friends as they got on board and supported me by making donations to the cause.

“Being active and finding ways to socialise as you get older is so important to avoid becoming isolated and lonely.”

Being active and finding ways to socialise as you get older is so important to avoid becoming isolated and lonely. We used to have a dog and that disciplines you to get out of the house in all weathers to go for a walk. If you don’t want to own a dog, there are friendly communities where you can offer to dog walk – the benefits are two-fold as it keeps you active and is guaranteed to spark conversations when you’re out with them.

“It’s so important to remember the importance of human connection and we can all do our part to make sure people don’t feel forgotten.”

Feeling lonely can be an unfortunate inevitability for some as they get older – especially for those who are stuck within four walls due to health or mobility issues. I really understood this last year when I had a knee replacement operation and sometimes having the energy to sit down was about all I could manage.

“The key for me to tackle loneliness is looking for activities I’ll enjoy that also forces me to step out of my immediate surroundings and engage with other people.”

Luckily, I’ve made it back to good health, but for many, it can inhibit their independence and ability to interact with others for the rest of their life. Another common affliction as you get older is becoming hard of hearing. I now wear a hearing aid so I know first-hand how difficult it can be to have a conversation with someone in a busy pub. If I can’t follow the conversation and join in, sometimes I think it’s easier not to say anything at all. But this often leaves me feeling isolated and alone with my thoughts, despite being surrounded by people.

The key for me to tackle loneliness is looking for activities I’ll enjoy that also forces me to step out of my immediate surroundings and engage with other people. For example, I formed a book club in 2002 and seventeen years later, it’s still going strong. This isn’t because of the books we choose – it’s the social element people look forward to.

“I recently visited an art exhibition and before I knew it, a piece of art ignited a conversation with a perfect stranger.”

As a fan of art, I always look out for painting courses that enable me to meet people who I have something in common with. I find it much more comfortable having conversations with strangers if I’m participating in something – the activity itself offers an ice breaker and common ground to kick start a conversation. For example, I recently visited an art exhibition and before I knew it, a piece of art ignited a conversation with a perfect stranger.

Loneliness is something I think everyone in the world feels from time to time. It’s so important to remember the importance of human connection and we can all do our part to make sure people don’t feel forgotten.