Now for the good news

Meanwhile, in Sussex, England, 90‑year‑old Barby Keel made headlines by confirming she has rescued more than 10,000 animals over a remarkable 54 years running a wildlife and pet sanctuary. 

It all began in the 1970s when a soldier asked her to care for his dog while he was on duty, and the dog decided to stay. At one point last year, her menagerie had hundreds of animals, including 160 cats, 16 pigs, eight dogs, six horses, 100 chickens, and 80 rabbits. 

We also read about pen pals Joy Doevendans, from South Australia, and Diane Hatt from Enderby, Canada, who have celebrated more than 60 years of friendship – mostly conducted by mail. 

On a visit to Australian last year, Ms Hatt said, “How many people can say they have one of their best friends on the other side of the world? 

“I do consider Joy one of my best friends … I consider her a sister." 

Another Aussie, Victor Caulfield, proved you’re never too old to chase a dream. Newly divorced in his 70s, he moved from regional Victoria to Florence, Italy, where he became an artists’ model. 

“The artists get lots of lovely young men and women who haven't got a blemish, who want to earn some extra money,” Victor, now 86 and the subject of 100 portraits by different artists, told the ABC. 

“But old people have got marks on their faces and bodies, and bad posture, and all sorts of things which artists can mark with their brush, so it gives them a lot more to paint.” 

A heartwarming moment unfolded in Austin, Texas, when Chewy, a shih tzu who’d been abandoned on the streets, was adopted by the staff and residents of the Philomena Assisted Living Centre. 

Very soon, the dog was accompanying residents to Scrabble nights, lounging in their laps, and even hitching a ride on their mobility devices. Chewy’s gentle presence lit up the care home, offering comfort to residents with dementia.  

In June, the Boston police department invited senior women to “walk the beat” alongside its officers. The once-isolated participants formed close bonds, got regular exercise, and became active contributors to neighbourhood wellbeing. 

Last year also saw the story of an 81‑year‑old waitress in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, named Betty, whose plight earned international attention via social media. 

A customer, who overheard her say she couldn’t afford to retire, shared that on TikTok and later created a GoFundMe page. Strangers contributed about A$500,000 to ensure Betty could give up her job and live in comfort. 

These are just a few of the thousands of stories of people at their best. 

It’s comforting to know that even when the headlines tell us another story, there is also something to smile about or to reinforce our belief in human goodness. 

Related reading: Good News Network, Washington Post, People