[Photo: FILE]A youth-elder buddy system, where young people regularly visit and support older persons, has been proposed to strengthen elderly care in communities. The idea was raised by Reverend Manasa Vatanitawake during an elderly care roundtable discussion in Lautoka yesterday. Inspired by a YouTube video, Reverend Vatanitawake says pairing young people with elderly persons could help them feel valued, included and connected. Article continues after advertisementReverend Vatanitawake adds that young people could commit to visiting an elderly person in their community or spending time with residents in care homes. Community and human rights advocate Jone Baravilala agrees that supporting elderly persons requires collective responsibility, especially as some families may not always be available.