“The AARP Foundation’s Connect2Affect has called social isolation a “growing health epidemic” among older adults. It equates the health risks of prolonged isolation with smoking 15 cigarettes daily.” (Seegert, 2017) There can be many reasons why a senior is isolated or lonely, including living in rural areas, inability to drive, deceased family and mobility problems, etc.
We’d like to share an option to combat this issue right here in Missouri. Pen Pals for Seniors (PPFS) in an organization you can enroll to be a part of to decrease senior isolation and loneliness. Their igniting story is moving. A young woman noticed after a while her neighbor’s home never had any activity, although she knew a woman lived there alone. One day she received a letter from Marleen, that included a plea for friendship. She wrote:
We’d like to share an option to combat this issue right here in Missouri. Pen Pals for Seniors (PPFS) in an organization you can enroll to be a part of to decrease senior isolation and loneliness. Their igniting story is moving. A young woman noticed after a while her neighbor’s home never had any activity, although she knew a woman lived there alone. One day she received a letter from Marleen, that included a plea for friendship. She wrote:
"Would you consider becoming my friend? I’m 90 years old — live alone and all my friends have passed away. I am so lonesome and scared. Please — I pray for some one."
A simple note is all it took but the sad part is that it had to come to that. Unfortunately, isolation and loneliness have detrimental effects on our health. From Marleen’s initial letter, her neighbor received nearly 6,000 interested to help others in need in their community. To hear another success story, read about Honey and her experience with PPFS.
If you’re interested, or know someone that would be, please visit their website to volunteer! On the flip side, if you know a senior that would greatly benefit from this service please help them get connected.
If you’re interested, or know someone that would be, please visit their website to volunteer! On the flip side, if you know a senior that would greatly benefit from this service please help them get connected.