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27 Aug, 2019

Five Ways to Make a Difference on World Senior Citizen’s Day

“If not for our older loved ones, we would not have the opportunities we have today,” said Lakelyn Hogan, gerontologist and caregiver advocate for Home Instead. “They have paved the way for us and we need to show our seniors how much we appreciate, respect and admire them.”

There are countless ways to show your appreciation and respect for older loved ones or other seniors in your area. Whether spending time with an aging family member or offering to help a neighbor with household chores, even a small act can make a meaningful impact. Be as creative as you want in finding something that will have meaning to that person.

To make a difference in your community, Home Instead recommends making a personal commitment to at least one of the following activities:

(+) Reconnect with a long-distance loved one. Staying in touch when living apart can be difficult. Make a phone call, send a text, write a thoughtful letter or video chat with them today. This simple gesture is sure to put a smile on their face.

(+) Volunteer to help older adults in your community. Supporting local seniors doesn’t have to be strictly financial. You can also volunteer by joining a local service group or offering to help individuals in your neighborhood. A small portion of your time can make a big difference in another person’s life. Some easy ways to get started could include walking a neighbor’s dog, bringing them their mail or helping keep their yard clear of leaves. Visit ImReadyToCare.com for ideas.

(+) Donate to a senior cause. There are hundreds of deserving causes across the country providing critical resources and support to older adults in need. To raise awareness and kickstart more contributions to senior causes, Home Instead, Inc. founders Paul and Lori Hogan recently launched a $2.5 million fundraising campaign, with the commitment to match contributions, dollar-for-dollar, up to an additional $1 million for senior-related organizations. Find out how you can contribute to a local organization at Give65.org/25years.

(+) Join a community group that aims to bridge age gaps. Explore opportunities in your area to socialize with a mix of older and younger generations. Engaging with diverse age groups can provide a variety of mutual benefits in mentoring and skills-building.

(+) Start a family history project. Spend time with your older relatives to learn more about their lives and your family history. You can record them telling stories, go through old pictures or create a family tree together.

To learn more about how you make the world a better place for seniors and inspire others to do the same, visit Imreadytocare.com, or contact your local Home Instead Senior Care office.