This is not my typical post on health or vocal strategies, but one that concerns our aging population.
Recently, my husband and I visited a couple of our friends who are permanent residents of a dependent care senior living facility. We do our best to stop in and check in on them at least a couple of times a month.
Their reaction when we walk into the room is always joyful; however, this last visit struck me quite differently.
One comment was, “Oh, how happy we are to see you! We haven’t had anyone come by in so long.” How would you feel being told that as you enter the room of an elderly couple? Well, it stayed with me and still does today.
As we drove out of their area, the vast houses surrounding it were packed in one after another, everyone going about their day-to-day business—which, I admit, is us, too.
It got me thinking, though.
What if every home in that area just went by one day a year and said hi to the residents in their local senior living facility? There’s got to be more we can do as a society to reach out and help others.
My mom was fortunate that my sweet and loving sister could be with her daily. As my mom’s dementia got worse, we still stopped in and said hi and gave her hugs every weekend we could!
We live in a world of very unconnected people, and as I age, I see more and more people “close up” and stay to themselves.
There is power in people coming together. We were made for connection. A cord of three strands is not easily broken!
As we navigate the coming months, I encourage all to consider how to help someone older than us, especially those who cannot get out and about.
Here are some ideas:
Send a handwritten card
Pick up the phone and make a call
Take along some friends and make a visit
Another population that needs our focus is our Widowed Community!
With our Surviving From Loss Ministry, we reach out to the widowed in our community. You can help us with this step!
Watch this video to learn more about this exciting ministry!
I invite you to check out our website and learn more about ways you can help.
Charles and Pam Foster
