Older neighbors often go days without real conversation. Ten minutes on their porch could be the best part of their week.

When somebody’s circle shrinks, whole days can pass with nothing in them but transactions and television. A short unhurried conversation is worth far more in that situation than it costs you, and younger people almost always assume they would be intruding. Usually the opposite is true.

Stop and talk to an older neighbour for ten minutes this week instead of waving on your way past. Ask them something about the street before you lived on it.