In 2050, the senior population will be more than double that of the world’s youngest citizens and over the next 30 years the number of people living past 80 will triple. As the aging population grows about 11.3 million seniors are living alone. Also, women are twice as likely to stay on their own as older men.
Seniors will face a wide range of issues without proper support, including limited mobility, chronic conditions, unsuitable diet, and depression. Nevertheless, research shows that the biggest challenge may be a lack of companionship.
Changing Seniors Lives
While anyone can take advantage of a kind gesture, seniors in many communities are some of the most disadvantaged people. There are a wide range of programs, nationwide to improve the lives of seniors. To help you determine the best way to make a difference, there are many services and organizations.
1 in 5 adults over the age of 40 have been “socially disconnected,” which could have an impact on health. People who feel loneliness and isolation have lower scores of mental well-being, and those who were dissatisfied with their level of social interaction were also more likely to report a decrease in cognitive function.
How to Create a Better World for Seniors
One example is Ready to Care, a Senior Care program that challenges people to complete weekly tasks to help seniors. Every activity guides participants through different ways of giving to senior-related causes, learning about the aging crisis and issues affecting seniors, and supporting seniors through little acts of kindness.
Acts of Kindness to Help Seniors
Small gestures can go a long way towards improving a senior’s day, like these simple acts of kindness.
- Offer to bring in the daily newspaper or mail.
- Mow their lawn or offer to help with other yard work.
- Loneliness is common among seniors, especially those who live alone. Show seniors in your area they have a meaningful place in the community and options for companionship.
- Invite them to dinner, either at your home or at a restaurant.
- Make a date for an afternoon or evening of entertainment, such as cards, a movie or board games.
Practical solutions or various reasons, some seniors may be unable to complete everyday tasks. Offer a helping hand in their daily routines when possible.
How You Can Take Action
Find simple ways to take action in helping the elderly by thinking about issues affecting them:
Lend your voice
Be an advocate for change in public actions and medical research for the aging society. If you’re an expert by experience, share your knowledge about senior-related issues and public policy measures.
Give from your heart
Less than 1% of charitable donations go to organizations that help seniors. Find senior-focused non-profits to give your next charitable donations to, such as one dedicated to raising awareness, inspiring change and accelerating progress in Alzheimer’s care and research.
Get prepared to care
Educate yourself on issues that impact seniors and complete small acts of kindness for seniors in your life. Sign up for weekly care missions and find additional information to better equip yourself to care for seniors at imreadytocare.com.
Give your time
Volunteer with local non-profit organizations that help seniors or offer support related to senior-affiliated issues.
Entrust of DeSoto: A Resident-centric Memory Care Community in Dallas, Texas
Entrust of DeSoto is a memory care community that puts resident well-being at the center of everything we do. We know that each person is unique. That’s why we offer a wide range of services and lifestyle options to nourish the body and create community.
We understand the importance of home cooked meals and nutrition for seniors and this attitude is reflected in our dining experience. If you or a loved one live near Dallas, Texas and need assisted living, contact Entrust of DeSoto today to learn about our 24-hour care and find out how we can help.
