Stuart Dakers, the Guardian‘s “Grey matters” columnist, thinks it is necessary.  Loneliness and increasing isolation are often inevitable side effects of aging. However, as naturally social creatures, he believes it is a disadvantage to both individuals and society to merely accept and succumb to the assumption of loneliness. By finding ways to give back to society and use the patience, experience, and wisdom that comes with age, older people should be able to build or maintain a sense of purpose. It will take effort, though, and that is where the new mindset will come in handy.