We love Wanda’s attitude – there aren’t many who would be brave enough to lay their heart on the line like she did. However, many suffer in silence so there’s hope that Wanda’s story will encourage more people to reach out and speak to an elderly person when we sit next to them on the bus or walk past them at the supermarket, and try to brighten up their day in some small way.

As Somerville writes in his post (which has at time of writing received over 6,000 likes on Facebook): “There are so many others out there who are lonely just like Wanda. I would ask that maybe you consider knocking on their door and saying hi.

“I know it would mean the world to them. And who knows, maybe you'll make a new friend.”

You can find out about Age UK’s befriending services (both telephone and face-to-face) on their website. Or, if you are worried about an elderly relative or neighbour, they also have advice on how best to overcome loneliness , too.

Images: Facebook/Frank Somerville KTVU

Lonely pensioner, 90, finds new best friend after heartbreaking letter goes viral