How can we support the older residents in our community? As members of our community age, we have to make sure that seniors feel valued and valuable. Supporting seniors ensures that their wisdom and experiences are carried on for generations. When we care for the older residents in our communities, they can contribute to the overall well-being of the entire neighborhood. In this blog post, we’ll discuss five ways you can make a positive difference for older adults in your community.
Companionship and Connection
Have you ever felt lonely? For older adults whose children have moved out and friends have passed on, loneliness can be a significant challenge. You can help by engaging in thoughtful conversations, visiting or calling regularly, and attending community events with them. Having younger companions can help older adults feel connected and foster their sense of community.
Provide Help with Daily Tasks
Getting older is hard. Daily activities that were once so easy that they weren’t even thought about are now more difficult. Tasks like grocery shopping, driving to appointments, and cleaning can be more time-consuming and even dangerous as we age. When you offer assistance, you are making their lives easier and making them feel cared for and supported by members of their community.
Provide Access to Services
There are services and community resources available to older adults. You may spend more time online than they do, so make sure that they are aware of what you find online that could improve their quality of life. Share information about local senior centers and healthcare programs. If you know a senior in your community who is a former dance teacher, share information about local performances with discounted or free tickets for seniors.
Foster Connections
Have you ever heard seniors say that their grandkids keep them young? It’s true! Research shows that intergenerational connections have benefits for all involved. Older adults remember their youth more when they interact with children, and the young people benefit from their wisdom and stories. The exchange of ideas and experiences are mutually beneficial, and give both kids and adults a deeper connection with the past, present, and future. This bonds members of the community of all ages to each other.
Support Lifelong Learning
In December 2023, Minnie Payne became the oldest person to earn a master’s degree at 90 years old. She earned her undergraduate degree at 73, 55 years after she graduated from high school. While older adults may not want to go to college to study a rigorous curriculum, you can still encourage them to participate in lifelong learning. Local community colleges offer classes in art, music, literature, and more for those who just want to learn and aren’t pursuing a degree. Invite older adults to workshops, book clubs, and classes hosted by local craftsmen. These learning opportunities foster a sense of engagement, combat loneliness, and stimulate their minds.
Share Employment Opportunities
Not all older adults are ready to retire. Many are still working or actively looking for work. As seniors become more tech-savvy, they look for opportunities to not only use their tech skills but also take advantage of the significant people skills and experience that they have gained over their careers. When you come across job opportunities, part-time and full time, that you think will interest an older adult, share it. Recommend a senior that you know who has extensive knowledge of a subject to come in and speak with your team, class, or organization.
We need you. Your help is crucial to creating a community that supports its older members. At the South Side Community Economic Development Center we engage in initiatives that focus on the well-being of all generations. When you join our efforts, you become a part of a movement dedicated to creating an inclusive and caring community.
You can make a meaningful impact on the lives of older adults on the South Side. Join the South Side Community Economic Development Center today. Together, we will build a community that cherishes and celebrates the invaluable contributions of every generation.
