One of the easiest ways to make a connection is conversation. Whether that’s a simple hello to a neighbour or stopping to chat to the supermarket cashier to see how their day is going. Asking people how they are takes no time at all, but can make the world a less isolated place.

This sentiment is at the heart of a new podcast series launched by Cadbury in partnership with Captain Sir Tom Moore for Age UK’s ongoing campaign ‘Donate Your Words’. The campaign’s focus is to encourage people to start a conversation with an older person to combat loneliness. 

Even before the nationwide lockdown, Age UK research revealed that 225,000 older people would go a week without speaking to anyone and over six million people said just a few minutes of conversation make a difference to their week.

The podcast series, called The Originals, sees Captain Tom interviewing older people about their lives, and the interesting and surprising stories they have to tell. From the 79-year-old woman revealing her kiss with Elvis Presley to an award-winning, investigative journalist who has been fighting against climate change for over a century.

The conversations are designed to encourage people to reframe the way they see the older generations. Instead of asking about the weather or how they feel, this podcast shows people the kinds of questions they could be asking instead to uncover unexpected tales and common experiences.

Captain Sir Tom Moore explained his hope for the series: “I hope The Originals podcast will help encourage everyone to start a proper conversation with an older person today. We truly are The Originals and believe it or not, we have more in common than you may think; we have hundreds of amazing stories just waiting to be told.” 

This year, the issue of loneliness is more prevalent than ever. With this campaign, Cadbury shows just how much people can learn from older generations if they just take the time to stop to ask.