According to Age UK, there are 1.2 million older people in the country who are suffering from chronic loneliness: 200,000 have not had a conversation with a friends or family for a month, and an overwhelming 3.9 million say that the television is their main form of company.

Similarly, it has been reported that around 60% of nursing home residents never receive visitors and are living in “social isolation” – with many admitting that they don’t even receive letters or calls from loved ones.

So what can a group of boisterous children do to change this?

Well, according to a gerontologist, a geriatrician and a physiotherapist – who measured and analysed the older groups’ physical and mental progress throughout – a great deal: the residents felt far happier, far more connected, and far less sedentary when the children were present. They were more inclined to laugh and try new things. Their memories improved, their spirits were lifted, and their energy levels soared.

Quite honestly, though, we didn’t need the scientists to point that out for us: it’s far easier to walk if you have someone there beside you. You’re more likely to laugh and smile if someone is there to tell you a joke. Your memory is likely to improve if you have a reason to remember someone’s name. Your feelings of loneliness will likely ebb away if someone chatters away to you and listens to your stories. Your heart will swell if someone throws their arms around you for a great big hug. And a friendly hand in yours is guaranteed to get you out of your seat, no matter how low you might feel.

As Zina beautifully put it: “The most important thing in life is to be loved, and children have such a pure and positive love.

“To find a child’s hand in yours is one of the most moving things that can happen to you.”

Why Old People's Home for 4 Year Olds is one of the most important TV shows to date