Helping the Elderly: New Year’s Resolution

It’s here! We can finally say “Goodbye 2022 and Welcome 2023!”

Each time we ring in a new year, we have the opportunity to make it a better year than the one before.

Many of us are reflecting on the past and making plans to burst toward tomorrow with renewed optimism and hope.

Is there something we can do to enhance our lives and the lives of those around us?

How about helping the elderly in your community?

You may already be helping the elderly members of your family, but how to help the elderly in your community, your town or even on your own street is the focus of this post.

How can we help senior citizens?

You can help the elderly simply by offering a kind word or assisting with a simple task such as holding a door open or transferring a case of water from their shopping cart to the trunk of their car. Little things mean a lot to someone who is living alone and trying to maintain that independence for as long as possible.

An offer to assist an elderly neighbor with yard work, window washing, running errands or providing a ride to a doctor’s appointment is so much more than a task. It is a way to keep in touch and be a friend to an elderly neighbor.

If you are not able to do any of the things mentioned above, here are a few additional suggestions on how to help the elderly in your community that will be welcomed and appreciated by your elderly friends and neighbors.

What can I do to help the elderly?

Many elderly people have difficulty keeping up with the ever-changing technology. You can be an asset to them if you offer to help with computer issues, mobile banking or adjusting the settings on a new mobile phone.

Loneliness is a common concern for the elderly. One of the best gifts you can give is the gift of your time. Call an elderly friend or neighbor and see if they would like to share a meal, either at home or in a restaurant. Having a conversation and knowing someone cares is essential for an elderly person who lives alone.

Invite an elderly friend to a movie or concert. A trip to the local ice cream shop can be fun, tasty and provide your senior friend with the opportunity to share stories of ice cones they enjoyed in the past. Everyone loves to share stories about themselves. Be a good listener.

Do you play a musical instrument, or know people who enjoy singing? How about contacting the activity director at the local assisted living facility and hosting a sing-along? An hour or two of lively music can liven the spirits of both the performers and the residents of the facility.

The time and effort you put in to making the day brighter for an elderly person will be something that can change their world. Spending time with the elderly in your life and community does not have to be structured.

Letting a senior know that you are there for them if they need you and providing them with your contact information is something you can do to let them know they are not alone.

The new year is a time for all of us to think about how we can make the world a better place.

Call that elderly neighbor and invite them over for a cup of tea. Help an elderly friend unload their groceries or sweep off their sidewalk.

Developing a friendship with an elderly person is beneficial to them, but more importantly, it can be something that has many rewards for you as well. The satisfaction in building a relationship with someone who not only needs your support but can also share a lifetime of knowledge and experience with you is priceless.

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Don’t wait until tomorrow to implement this meaningful New Year’s Resolution.

Make that call and begin to build a relationship with an elderly friend. At a time when making and nurturing friendships becomes difficult for the elderly, you can be the key to helping them live a happier and more fulfilling life.