I think perhaps you misunderstand me. I wasn't suggesting that people should pick random old people on the street to make sure they're coping! Believe me, I know how hard it can be to get the care where it is needed - but you raised exactly the issues that I was referring to about people not caring. People don't look out for their families and neighbours any more. Of course there are exceptions, but how many people actually know the names of their neighbours any more, let alone watch out for them? And these days, family has changed too - people live farther away from elderly relatives, and don't necessarily have the ability to watch over them or help out all the time. However, with friends and family with social services and care work histories, some of the stories I've heard make you cry. Not the ones of people who can't manage to support their elderly relatives alone and need to ask for help. But those who don't care, those who actively resent, neglect and abuse needy elderly relatives. Those people who are paid to look out for them (e.g. care workers, social workers) where their indifference constitutes neglect and abuse. Where someone can't get a shave for two weeks because they say they're too busy. Where they don't get to eat because no-one will help them. There will always be those who put up a brave facade and who will refuse help all the way. That can be difficult for everyone involved. But if there were more of a neighbourly feel in the world these days, I suspect a lot of it's problems might be reduced (not just this). However, I might just be harking back to the "good old days" I can vaguely remember from childhood.