How to help the Elderly this holiday season

The holiday season is a favorite time for volunteers. It’s their season to shine. Volunteers celebrate by giving toys to tots, donate food for the hungry, open wallets to charities, and share much needed time with the older folks who live on their own. Most people don’t know that 28% of seniors live alone.

That statistic alone should drive us all to spread more cheer to the elderly. But if you’re like the rest of us, where does one begin their search to share? That’s why SeniorCare.com created the evergreen holiday voluteer guide. We know that people are busy, especially this time of year, and need a quick reference and resource to turn to when giving. Btw, the guide will soon update with the local places for Christmas giving.

Stats that increase the need for volunteers

-21% or one in five people over 65 do not drive, and it’s the main reason people isolate.

-Hunger threatens over 9 million older adults.

-1 million homebound seniors are malnourished.

-Elderly suicide rates are high.

-87% of Americans receive unpaid care at home from family and friends.

The numbers are startling, right?

How can so many of our parents, grandparents, relatives, neighbors, and friends be abandoned and hungry? Don’t we know they live alone, care for themselves or depend on a family member for help, and are short on food? It seems impossible that a few decades ago, they contributed to society and worked hard. Now, older age has left them on their own and fending for themselves.

How to give

If you’re reading this and can’t think of a thing to do to help a person this time or year, please allow me to chime in. Also, check out the guide, it offers suggestions too. Here’s what you can do right now:

-Help with house chores

-Rake leaves or other yard work

-Set up their Christmas tree

-Offer a ride

-Take them to lunch or a movie

-Provide respite for the family — spend time with their loved one

-Contribute time at the local senior center or residential care facility

-Be a companion

When thinking about helping a local elder, there are many volunteer options. Remember that now is the season to give. Help lonely seniors connect with family, share a meal with others, and by all means, help them make special memories. Today, in the U.S. too many adults spend holidays alone. They miss being with family, so they count on you to make it different for them. Be a volunteer in your local community and give back. You will enhance an elderly’s well-being plus form new friendships.