I believe one of the key attributes in life is empathy - along with the ability to listen and understand the needs of others. I started my working life at the age of seventeen as a manager - then area manager of a chain of newsagents. This not only involved working with the general public (a true baptism of fire) but addressing the needs and concerns of nearly one hundred members of staff. Without listing in detail my further career paths - I can summarise by saying that I have tremendous experience in dealing with people from all walks of life. On a practicable level - I spent ten years looking after my parents in their declining years. This included shopping, driving to appointments, food preparation and taking care of personal hygiene. After they died - I decided that I enjoyed helping elderly people and, for the last two years have been taking an elderly lady (suffering from early stage dementia) out for drives, walks etc. I also assist an elderly gentleman (suffering acute vision impairment) with computer work, shopping and drives out. I'm now 64 years of age and semi retired. I have time to spare and would love to engage with other elderly individuals who could benefit from assistance or just companionship.