If you’re looking for a way to give back to your community, look no further! Senior citizens often face complex challenges as they age, and they can benefit significantly from the help of their community members. Here are six ways that you can help seniors in your area:
1. Volunteer
Senior centers offer a variety of activities and services for older adults, and they can always use extra help. Whether you’re leading an exercise class or helping with administrative tasks, your time will be greatly appreciated.
If you don’t have time to volunteer regularly, consider signing up for a one-time event or project. Many senior centers host special events throughout the year. They often need volunteers to help set up, clean up, or run the event.
Volunteering at a senior center can be as simple as providing seniors with companionship and conversation. Stop by for a visit every once in a while, or give them a call to chat. Many seniors appreciate having someone to talk to; your conversation may brighten their day.
2. Help around the house
Many seniors struggle to keep up with basic yard work, gutter cleaning and snow removal, so offering to help can be a huge relief. This is especially true for those who live alone or have limited mobility. Sitting on their porch and looking out at a well-maintained yard or blossoming garden can brighten their day. Being able to make their way safely through the snow to the mailbox could be an even bigger deal to them.
If you don’t have time to commit to regular yard work, consider doing a one-time project, such as raking leaves in the fall or shoveling snow in the winter. Things we take for granted in our youth can often impact senior citizens in our communities.
3. Take them shopping
Senior citizens often have difficulty getting around, which can make simple tasks like grocery shopping very difficult. If you can, offer to take older adults grocery shopping or run errands for them. This will help them stay independent and allow them to live in their homes for longer.
If you can’t commit to regular errand running, consider doing it on an as-needed basis. Many seniors would appreciate having someone to call when they need help with groceries or other errands.
4. Make or deliver meals
Meal preparation can be a challenge for seniors, especially homebound people who have difficulty cooking. This will help them stay healthy and save money on expensive take-out.
If you don’t have the time or the resources to cook regular meals, consider making a one-time food delivery. Many seniors would appreciate having a few ready-to-eat meals in their freezer when they don’t feel like cooking.
Many towns have Meals on Wheels or a version of it. Meals on Wheels is an organization that is dedicated to providing meals and essential socialization for seniors. Even if cooking isn’t one of your strengths or you simply don’t know how to get started, these organizations always need volunteers to deliver meals and greet seniors.
5. Advocacy
Join a group that advocates for senior rights and issues. Many groups work to improve seniors’ lives, and they can always use more help. By joining one of these groups, you can raise awareness about important issues seniors face, such as social isolation, financial insecurity, and healthcare needs.
Senior citizens face challenging financial decisions far too often, like, whether to feed themselves or heat their house. Advocating helps bring attention to the issues and can be the beginning or revitalization of senior programs in your community.
6. Technology tutoring
Volunteer to help out with technology. Many seniors are not familiar with technology and can benefit significantly from someone willing to help them learn. They often need help with basic technical functions, such as computer use. Helping them set up and use a social media account can allow them to connect with family and friends. Showing them how to Facetime on their phone with their grandkid can mean the world to them.
Technology is simple to those who grew up with it, and sharing a little of that knowledge with seniors can go a long way to making their lives easier and happier.
We hope this article has inspired you to take action and help the senior citizens in your community. It doesn’t require much time or effort, but it can make a big difference in the lives of those who need it most.