Hana and Wanda's unlikely friendship is helping tackle an insidious problem

Hana Byambadash, 63, and Wanda Janus, 87, may appear to have an extraordinary friendship, but their bond was forged just seven years ago. The two women met through a program aimed at combating loneliness among older Australians, a growing issue affecting one in six Australians, particularly those with cognitive impairment. The program, run by Umbrella Multicultural Community Care in Perth, connects seniors through shared interests, such as music and dancing.

Wanda, who hails from Poland, and Hana, a fan of Polish cinema, have a shared love for films from their homeland. Hana found that her role in the program not only helped others but also filled a void left by her late mother. "I just feel like I'm seeing my mum," she said, describing her visits to Wanda at the nursing home.

The program's chief executive, Borhan Milani, emphasized how simple activities like playing card games, sharing a cup of tea, or going for a walk can dramatically improve seniors' lives. Social isolation can lead to mental health issues, cognitive decline, and even premature death, according to the Australian Institute of Family Studies.

Currently, Umbrella oversees 183 matches, with a growing demand for volunteers due to rising costs of living and an aging population. Volunteers are in short supply as they balance their own life priorities, work, and financial responsibilities. Despite this, Hana encourages more Perth residents to join the program, asserting that a single hour per week can make a significant difference in the lives of seniors.