74-year-old widow Cecilia was constantly lonely. Then she joined a social experiment.

Listen to this story being read by Isabella Ross, here.

Cecilia feels lonely constantly.

She has no one to talk to. She also feels that quite often, her relationships with others are not meaningful - leaving her wishing she had more friends. 

"I feel empty. Hopeless. I feel lonely all the time," she said. "I try to cover it when I am outside. I have family, but they are busy... I don't want to be a burden."

The 74-year-old widow is one of a dozen elderly Australians who volunteered to take part in Old People's Home for Teenagers, an ABC social experiment that captured what happens when a group of teens and older people come together.

For the vast majority of these participants - both young and old - they have experienced an epidemic of loneliness. 

In this compelling new experiment, the older adults were brought together with teenagers to see if the power of an intergenerational program could transform the lives of older people and teenagers.

As a society, we're well aware of the feelings of isolation and loneliness that can plague older Australians, many of whom live alone. Social isolation continues to be the emerging health concern among our oldest demographic.

But another cohort struggling silently are teenagers.

Watch the trailer for Old People's Home for Teenagers. Story continues below.

In a recent study by the Black Dog Institute, they found that approximately 75 per cent of teens reported challenges with their mental health when coming out of lockdowns in Australia. There's been a spike in loneliness too.

For six weeks, the two groups interacted with one another for Old People's Home for Teenagers at the Intergenerational Community Centre in Sydney.

Out of all the participants, Cecilia rated highest on the loneliness scale. She also scored high on the geriatric depression scale. Cecilia wasn't the only one in the group whose mental health was low.

One of the participants - 75-year-old Phil - said he felt as though "I'm in God's waiting room, just waiting to die".

Anyone who has watched Old People's Home for Teenagers or Old People's Home for 4-Year-Olds knows you will simultaneously cry and laugh throughout.

With each passing week, we watch intergenerational friendships between the two groups get stronger, and unsurprisingly, it's bloody heartwarming to watch. There's still plenty of awkward moments, especially the times when the teens are asked 'what do you want to do when you finish high school?' - the question dreaded by all young people.

When 14-year-old Louis was asked what his ambitions are for the future, he said he felt lost. It was 92-year-old Ken who is now helping him through it.

"Louis didn't open up very much [at the start]. He was a bit quiet initially and I thought, well here's a challenge," Ken said. "Hopefully, if he wants any help or would like to talk to me in any way, I would be here for him."

Ken is a former sailor who adored working in the navy. For nearly 70 years he sailed the world. Now, life is a lot quieter for him, after retiring at 83. Most of his friends have passed away, along with his wife who he dearly misses. His trusty dog Rocky is 17 years old - and Ken knows it's not long before Rocky will leave too. 

So in the meantime, Ken wanted to find purpose. And maybe that purpose was being a mentor to someone in need.

Louis lost his father to cancer two years ago. On the show, Louis' mum said that grief was something that would affect Louis for a long time. She hoped her son would get to know others who have been touched by loss as a way to feel less alone in his grief.

Louis and Ken. Image: ABC. 

As Louis said: "I haven't really met anyone in my life who doesn't have a dad. I'm definitely like a bit different from other kids because I don't have a dad. That would be great to talk to someone who has been through the same thing."

While sitting on a park bench after a group activity, Louis told Ken about his dad. There was a short period of quiet reflection before Ken shared his own story.

"When I was born my mother died in childbirth," Ken said. "And my father didn't want the responsibility. So I was left without anyone. It was tough."

Louis now has someone he can talk to. 

"He's a great leader. I trust Ken and I know he knows what to do."

For 74-year-old Cecilia, she has developed strong friendships with many of the teenagers, including China-born high school student, Lily. 

Describing herself as introverted, Lily said that when she immigrated from China to Australia, she was more focused on learning English than making friends - and has struggled socially since. She is also an only child. But finding common cultural ground with Cecilia, and chatting with many of the other participants, viewers can see her gain confidence.

"I was scared, but they made it so comfortable for me that I adapted to the space," Lily said. "Usually a lot of the time I feel out of place, but like here it was all cool."

By the end of the show's first episode, there's been laughter, plenty of awkward moments and tears. And no doubt by the final episode, the lives of the participants will be changed - all thanks to friendship - regardless of age.

You can watch Old People's Home for Teenagers on ABC at 8:30pm on Tuesdays, or on iView.

If you think you may be experiencing depression or another mental health problem, please contact your general practitioner. If you're based in Australia, 24-hour support is available through Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyondblue on 1300 22 4636.

For children and young adults, Kids Helpline is available on 1800 551 800.

Feature Image: ABC.

Calling-on everyone aged 35 to 59 with kids! Take this short Mamamia survey now to go in the running to win a $50 gift voucher.

TAKE SURVEY ➤