It still shocks me that I am now officially “old” because I certainly don’t feel that way! Fortunately, I am not prone to feeling lonely, but I have a few ideas. If a senior can physically and financially afford it, help them get a small pet (I type this one-handed because Miss Bittykitty has claimed the other arm.) Animals are great companions and give snuggles. If you are a walker and live in a neighborhood with sidewalks, stop and speak to people you see along the way. That may be the only conversation that person has all day. Of course, the lonely have to make an effort, too — you won’t meet anyone if you stay inside in front of the tv. But if health issues do keep a senior at home, offer to teach them how to video chat and send them a funny video when you can. My church where I used to live has started a “Pals” program, offering seniors the opportunity to be paired up with someone who will check-in with them every week and help out if they can. Not everyone has family.
And, one more thing about pets … there is an organization that I respect so much that it is in my will! Pet Peace of Mind. It works with Hospice organizations to help hospice participants care for their pets and promises that when the patient dies they will care for and find a good home for their pet. It helps alleviate much anxiety as people approach death.
I have never heard of this program but it’s so great to know about! Thanks for sharing! I know it would comfort many to know their pets will be cared for!
Wow, 43% of the population being older adults is shocking. Thank you for the practical and very doable ways to encourage people in their loneliness. One of my relatives affirmed that the hardest part of the day is eating dinner alone. Thank you for the reminder.
Timely as I just turned 70 and I have just the week begun training for serving our church as a Parish Visitor. I appreciate this article as it provides good ideas that are tangible, ways to approach this service, and confirms this call. Thank you for sending it to me.
That's an excellent point to keep in mind, John. When we denounce the "scourge" of MAID, we do want to be part of the solution in the sense that if we are offering community and connection, hopefully people will not feel such despair that they would want to end their own lives.
Thank you for spotlighting this overlooked problem—loneliness among the aged. Even those who aren't housebound can be vulnerable. As a avid believer in the power of a heartspoken note, I was so happy to see you include writing to those in your life who live alone. Notes and letters can be read and re-read, and including photographs is a nice touch for helping the recipient feel connected.
Several organizations promote letter-writing to the elderly, so if this feels like a ministry to which you're called, they can match you up with seniors who would love to hear from you:
It still shocks me that I am now officially “old” because I certainly don’t feel that way! Fortunately, I am not prone to feeling lonely, but I have a few ideas. If a senior can physically and financially afford it, help them get a small pet (I type this one-handed because Miss Bittykitty has claimed the other arm.) Animals are great companions and give snuggles. If you are a walker and live in a neighborhood with sidewalks, stop and speak to people you see along the way. That may be the only conversation that person has all day. Of course, the lonely have to make an effort, too — you won’t meet anyone if you stay inside in front of the tv. But if health issues do keep a senior at home, offer to teach them how to video chat and send them a funny video when you can. My church where I used to live has started a “Pals” program, offering seniors the opportunity to be paired up with someone who will check-in with them every week and help out if they can. Not everyone has family.
And, one more thing about pets … there is an organization that I respect so much that it is in my will! Pet Peace of Mind. It works with Hospice organizations to help hospice participants care for their pets and promises that when the patient dies they will care for and find a good home for their pet. It helps alleviate much anxiety as people approach death.
I have never heard of this program but it’s so great to know about! Thanks for sharing! I know it would comfort many to know their pets will be cared for!
Such great ideas, Holly! Copying these to remember and implement!
These are wonderful reminders. Thank you Elizabeth! I'm going to share this with my women's ministry team.
Thank you for sharing, Renée! I learned so much when I researched this article and have become so much more aware.
Wow, 43% of the population being older adults is shocking. Thank you for the practical and very doable ways to encourage people in their loneliness. One of my relatives affirmed that the hardest part of the day is eating dinner alone. Thank you for the reminder.
I know -- it is startling, Suzy! Thanks for sharing that specific example of the struggle. It is hard, especially when we don't live close by.
Timely as I just turned 70 and I have just the week begun training for serving our church as a Parish Visitor. I appreciate this article as it provides good ideas that are tangible, ways to approach this service, and confirms this call. Thank you for sending it to me.
What a wonderful work, Denise. May you and those you serve be richly blessed in this ministry!
Dealing with loneliness--building communities that offer companionship--is also a way to counter the despair that leads to people's choices, where it's legal, to undergo Physical assisted Suicide (in Canada it goes by MAID, Medical Assistance in Dying). Ewan Goligher, a Canadian physician, has recently published a book on this scourge. https://www.amazon.com/How-Should-then-Die-Physician-Assisted/dp/1683597478/ref=sr_1_1?crid=LL17T5AUM9&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.05hNX7Q4uI37373Zanmw_tDcqdWKUeJVeCA8odTRkn8.LHA1Ep8Ap_zOuplp74kW2U3XUbDRr2lk33N-dLaoxK0&dib_tag=se&keywords=ewan+goligher&qid=1726153921&sprefix=ewan+g%2Caps%2C90&sr=8-1
That's an excellent point to keep in mind, John. When we denounce the "scourge" of MAID, we do want to be part of the solution in the sense that if we are offering community and connection, hopefully people will not feel such despair that they would want to end their own lives.
Thank you for spotlighting this overlooked problem—loneliness among the aged. Even those who aren't housebound can be vulnerable. As a avid believer in the power of a heartspoken note, I was so happy to see you include writing to those in your life who live alone. Notes and letters can be read and re-read, and including photographs is a nice touch for helping the recipient feel connected.
Several organizations promote letter-writing to the elderly, so if this feels like a ministry to which you're called, they can match you up with seniors who would love to hear from you:
• https://loveforourelders.org/
• https://www.brighten-a-day.org/
• https://www.lettersagainstisolation.com/
Write someone a heartspoken note today!
Excellent article. My church could do a lot better in this area.