Ageing with attitude: Empty nesters take flight with Freebird

Margaret Jennings speaks to Peter Mangan, who struck on his innovative idea for the sharing economy when he asked his dad to keep an eye on his house.

SOCIAL isolation and loneliness may be a growing problem among people in their 60s and upwards, but one Irishman has come up with a fun solution to encourage empty nesters and pensioners to broaden their horizons and even make money if they choose, in the process.

It’s called the Freebird Club, a website offering peer-to-peer homestays with fellow older adults.