The Know Daily - Thursday 14 August 2025

_{Read in 4m 22s ∙ Listening to Matt Hansen ∙}

PSA: There’ll be no newsletter from us next week, as we’re all taking a much-needed holiday! After tomorrow’s edition, we’ll be back in your inboxes on 26 August 💗

A tournament in Florida is removing clutter from the ocean whilst saving marine life. Ocean Aid 360’s Marine Debris Tournament is all about collecting abandoned fishing gear as participants help clean the ocean and fight pollution. It’s a creative, heart-driven way to protect marine life.

We’re giving away a 7-day Taste of Italy tour for two, with return flights from the UK to Rome, 6 nights in private hotel rooms, daily breakfasts (plus 3 delicious dinners) and a fully guided coach tour led by an expert who knows all the hidden gems. From Rome to Florence to Venice – it’s Italy at its finest 💫

👯‍♀️ Intergenerational friendships are having a moment

Some people are finding their closest pals aren’t the same age at all – but a decade, two, or even four older or younger. So what counts as an intergenerational friendship, and why might you want one?

What defines an intergenerational friendship?
It’s simply a platonic friendship between people with a notable age gap – often 15 years or more. They might start at work, in the local pub, on a volunteer shift, or even through a neighbourly chat. Examples we’ve seen on social media range from twenty-somethings befriending pensioners in care homes to older adults mentoring young professionals. 

How could they benefit me?
They mix perspective and energy. Older friends can share lived experience and a calmer take on life; younger friends can bring fresh ideas, humour and motivation. Research in the UK and abroad suggests these friendships can ease loneliness, improve well-being and even challenge stereotypes about ageing. One Guardian writer describes how her older friends helped her feel more grounded and less anxious about societal expectations by showing that life doesn't need to follow a strict timeline. Now that’s a vibe.

What are the stats?
In the UK, roughly four in ten adults say they have at least one friend from a different generation. Many of these friendships last for years – some for decades – and are linked with higher life satisfaction. Studies also show that just one quality friendship with someone older or younger can also help to reduce ageist attitudes.

How do you make friends who are older?
Once you start making a conscious effort, the opportunities start seeming endless! Here are just a few ideas that could help you get going: 

• Seek out mixed-age spaces – community choirs, volunteering schemes, or local sports clubs.

• Make the most of your socials! It’s not all latte art and aesthetic reels, it can also be used as a legit way to make new connections. For example, City Girls Who Walk, a collective of women of all ages in New York. Making news friends whilst ticking off my hot girl walk? Count me in.

• Start with simple conversation – share a story, ask a question, or find a shared interest, rather than treating it like a formal mentorship.

• Use workplace opportunities – chatting with a colleague from another generation over coffee can be enough to spark a friendship.

• Have a coffee! No, seriously. Chatty Café is a fab way to meet people over a good cuppa.

🇺🇸🇷🇺Alaska summit: Russian and US leaders will convene tomorrow for talks on a Ukraine ceasefire.

• The bigger story: Donald Trump will meet Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, on August 15. The agenda is expected to focus on exploring steps towards a ceasefire with Ukraine. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has voiced his position that any talks should include Ukraine directly, whilst European leaders have emphasized the importance of upholding Ukraine’s territorial integrity in any agreement.

📧 You’ve got mail: England’s Environment Agency has asked the public to delete their old emails in order to reduce water usage for data storing.

🤓 Super specs: Scientists are developing ​​​​​new "hearing glasses" that could help people hear conversations more clearly.

👩‍💻 Labour longevity: Ever wondered which European countries have the longest working life? Find out which regions top the list here. 

🪩 Strictly star: Model Ellie Goldstein will be the first contestant with Down’s syndrome to appear on Strictly Come Dancing (she was also the first person with the genetic condition to feature on the cover of Vogue – talk about trailblazing 👏🏻).

🐈 Curing cats (and humans): Scientists say that studying cats could help them explore new treatments for dementia as they develop the disease similarly to us.

🌊 Seas the day!: This warm weather has all of us craving a slice of the seaside – here’s a guide to the UK’s best beaches.

Help your friends feel better about the news. Get them to sign up using your personalised code 👉 https://theknowmedia.beehiiv.com/subscribe?ref=PLACEHOLDER

⭐ Get clicking - this tells our partners that readers are interested in The Know. Let’s get started with this one!

⭐ Add us to your contacts or primary inbox - this makes sure we reach your inbox (and everyone else’s) each morning.

The Know is on a mission to help everyone start their day feeling informed and hopeful. We only recommend things we genuinely love but sometimes we make money from the links and content we share. This directly supports keeping our journalism free for all.

Trivia answer: C) The egg from the Alien franchise is now on display opposite the entrance to the blockbuster exhibition.

⭐ Expat Explore giveaway T&Cs: The giveaway will run from 8 August - 5 September 2025. One winner will be selected at random by The Know and notified by email. The winner must be subscribed to The Know newsletter on the drawing date and have read at least one newsletter between 8 August - 5 September to be eligible. By entering, you agree to your email being shared with Expat Explore for marketing purposes. You can unsubscribe at any time. Additional T&Cs can be found on our giveaway page.

How did you find today’s email?
😍 Loved it! | 😕 Could be better…

Need fewer emails? Click here to hear from us once a week.