They are a section of the community who can be overlooked and often in need of support.
But now, a campaign in Longsight is encouraging the elderly to take a sit down while shopping in the hopes that it will not only boost their social situation - but also give them a breather when they are out.
The initiative, called 'Take a Seat', is encouraging local businesses to provide a spare seat for the elderly and disabled who need a chair.
It launched on Northmoor Road in Longsight in the hopes of making older people feel confident about accessing a space to sit when they need one.
Launching on Monday, ten businesses, including a hairdressers, estate agents, and grocers, have signed up to provide a designated seat and support the needs of older customers.
The campaign, set up by Southway Housing and Age Friendly, has been supported by Northmoor Community Association and Arawak Walton Housing Association.
The principle behind the campaign is simple. When any of the businesses displaying an Age Friendly sticker and ‘Take a Seat’ sign are open, people can walk in and take a seat - no questions asked.
Each seat, provided by Age Friendly, is clearly labeled ‘Take a Seat’ so that it is easy to identify and causes minimal disruption to businesses.
“It’s a great thing to do in the community,” said Stephanie Rowlinson, who has worked at Pauline’s Hair Salon, one of the participating businesses, for 20 years.
“A lot of areas don’t have a sense of community and many people don’t tend to know their neighbours, so it’s nice to see the businesses round here come together to create something that can really help people.”
Susan Thorpe, supervisor at Northmoor Community Association, said one of the reasons the campaign is so important is because many elderly people might not want to admit to feeling tired and needing a bit of help.
“A lot of people can’t walk that far and may have to stop every few yards to get their breath back,” Susan said.
“Now, they know they can sit down, take a break and even grab a brew while they unwind for a few minutes.”
Susan said that a couple of people had already come into Northmoor Laundrette, where she is a supervisor, and used the chair.
"One gentleman came in and said he was new to the area. We had a little chat and I told him about things that are going on at the community centre."
Pauline Sergeant, who sat on The Age Friendly’s Older People’s Board for seven years, said the campaign was something that needed to be rolled out across Manchester.
“It's a great idea and so simple for people to recreate in other areas.
"Age Friendly have already done campaigns in Whalley Range and Levenshulme, and it’s just incredible to see that there’s such a need for it.
"Rates of isolation and loneliness are quite high amongst the elderly, as people can't go out as much, so campaigns like this are important to provide support and encouragement when they do go out."
Fiona Gallagher, from Northmoor Community Association, helped set up the project in the area. She said the project has been incredibly well received since its launch.
"The response has been really good - it's starting a conversation. Everyone has been talking about it and has been interested to know what it's all about.
"It's a social opportunity too, it's opening the door and getting people more involved in the community.
"We have a great community spirit here, we all look after each other which is really nice."
Fiona added that it's also a great opportunity for the businesses involved too.
“It’s a chance for the community to look after each other but to also support local businesses.
"Business owners may get to introduce themselves to people who have never been in their store before.
You can learn more about the 'Take a Seat' campaign here and you can find out more about Northmoor Community Association here .
