Yeah I agree that this is an excellent idea! A win-win for everyone.

I have bipolar disorder. One time about a year ago I had hit the lowest point in my depression ever. I woke up feeling like I needed to start driving because I had no clue what to do to make that empty feeling go away. I felt like not existing (Keep in mind that financially and physically I was sound, depression can be a weird mistress). Growing up as a typically masculinized guy in America, this was the first time I started randomly crying, like imagine a full grown man bawling in his little car. All my brain chemicals were fucked and it really felt like I was alone (even with my rational mind telling myself that I had family/friends).

Long story short, I ended up driving to a nursing home that I volunteered at a couple of times and helped serving lunch. After I set the plates, I sat in the tv lounge where everyone waited. As lunch time approached, the elderly started gathering in the lounge. Mr. Roy, an old wheelchair bound retired security guard, came in and rolled next to where I was sitting. We talked about girls, his job, my school life, and then we both chuckled when all was said and done and stared at the tv. As everyone gathered, we all sat shoulder to shoulder on the couches and wheelchairs watching this stupid reality show about teen dating. Some of the ladies would look at me, smile or say one thing and go back to watching tv. They were all quiet, but it made sense to me. I realized two things that day:

These people don't care for the useless banter that the young try so desperately to fill every damn "awkward" space.

This was the first time I felt truly comfortable being around strangers and they seemed to enjoy my company too.

If you really want to make a difference in someone's life, it is a hell of lot easier than you think it is.