Mother and friend over lockdown and visiting

This is so lovely. Do not interfere. They are both much more likely to lose the will to live, if they cannot have this meeting each day. That, at their age, would be very dangerous. They are so fortunate to have each other.
For those in 12 week shielding, surely going into your own garden each day (whilst the weather is good) is to be encouraged. Very unhealthy at all levels staying indoors for so long.

If they're not going back to a home where other people live, I can't see what the problem is.

People of an advanced age are no doubt aware that their days are numbered and, to my mind anyway, it is cruel to leave them in total isolation and told not to leave their homes, with no end in sight. There is now talk that restrictions may go on until the end of the year or even later.

I support the distancing measures when out of the home and particularly in shops but I do think a little common sense and flexibility should be applied in situations such as this.

Bridie22, you are quite right. The government advice for the clinically extremely vulnerable:

Staying at home and shielding
You’re strongly advised to stay at home at all times and avoid any face-to-face contact if you’re clinically extremely vulnerable to protect yourself.

This is called ‘shielding’.

Shielding means:

Do not leave your house.
Do not attend any gatherings. This includes gatherings of friends and families in private spaces, for example, family homes, weddings and religious services.
Strictly avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19). These symptoms include high temperature and/or new and continuous cough.
The Government is currently advising people to shield until the end of June and is regularly monitoring this position.

How I envy your mama, Mrsgreenfingers! Her zest for life is amazing and enviable and, as others have commented, they are not endangering others. Good luck to them.

I can't see a problem if they are not seeing anyone else at all and not getting close to people in the street.

It doesn't sound as if your Mum and her friend have had the particular shielding letter sent to those who must stay at home for 12 weeks.
Even then, if they are not going anywhere else and seeing no-one else at all, it should be fine.

If neither of them are having any contact with anyone else then there is no problem .
Here’s wishing them many happy years of friendship x

My letter says to stay indoors at all times ??

This is ridiculously adorable. They should definitely carry on.

Liz46 im on the 12 week thing too, but it doesn't mean you can't go out! You can go out for a walk, observing social distancing.

Nowhere did it say that you have to stay indoors!

So, good to hear that you are now getting out for some fresh air and exercise!

It doesn't sound as though there is much risk here. Leave them to it.

I have been told to stay in for 12 weeks. I didn't go out for 5 weeks and felt very weak and unwell. We now go for a local walk in the evening and everyone is very careful to avoid getting near anyone else. We take off our shoes and wash when we get home even though we haven't touched anything.

I can't see a problem with it - if they are isolating for the rest of the time. If they have other visitors or go shopping, then it's dodgy.

Let them be together. At their ages life is too short not to have company. Nice they have that sort of relationship

There is nothing worse than being lonely especially at their respective ages. As long as they are not putting anyone else at risk I think it will really help them get through this difficult time.

Yes, leave them to it.
Also, if your mum and her friend are anything like my mum (and her friend) you'll be wasting energy trying to persuade them of anything. to be honest, at their time of life, enjoying things is key x

Oh I feel better already reading your comments! Obviously I just want them both to be safe and well but happy as well which they are and at their ages this friendship is a real blessing to both of them.

Thanks Ladies!

mrsgreenfingers
I hope there isn't another pandemic when you are your mothers age and your lucky enough to find a friend to share your latter years with. Think on.

Another vote to let them carry on enjoying their time together.

I agree with everyone else. Let them enjoy one another's company.

If they lived together, they would be together the whole time. I agree with previous comments. They are only putting themselves at risk. Let them enjoy their relationship.

I would leave them to it - they are not putting anyone else at risk.

I'd leave them alone. They are not harming anyone else and when you get to those ages what is the point of hanging on so that you can see each other some unknown time in the future. You might not even have much of a future.

Life is for living, perhaps especially if you know the rest of it might be short. As Tennyson said in Ulysses: "Life piled on life were all too little, and of one to me little remains....and vile it were for some three suns to store and hoard myself and this grey spirit..."

Same as Floradora ?

I would let them get on with it . Why spoil their fun if they are not meeting anyone else at their age what time have they left ?