It need not be so gloomy a scenario, but as many seniors
can tell you, a fulfilling life is always a work in progress
that requires energy and self motivation.
For Vera, 72, staying busy and strengthening old and
new social connections have given her a sense of purpose
and contributed to a healthy outlook and increased well
being.
"I was feeling down and lonely after my husband
died. My kids live far away, so it hit me hard when I
was on my own. After six months of moping I knew I had
to get busy or I would lose all joy in life." She
joined the local senior center, which opened doors to
other avenues of social connection that Vera never dreamed
of.
Southeastern Vermont boasts six senior centers (Bellows
Falls, Brattleboro, Ludlow, Springfield, White River Junction
and Woodstock). Sharing a nutritious midday meal with
a group of familiar faces around the table gave Vera a
sense of belonging and a group of new acquaintances that
she looked forward to seeing every day. She carpools with
Fred, a neighbor she never knew until she sat next to
him at lunch one day at the senior center.
Vera's friend Janeen, 69, isn't so keen on joining the
senior center, although she it tempted to try after seeing
her friend rejuvenated by social activity. But Janeen
does participate in the Senior Companion program. Visits
from a community volunteer senior companion help Janeen
cut through isolation. Her companion drives her to errands,
helps with grocery shopping and doctor visits, and shares
a weekly cup of tea with her.
Janeen's senior companion services were arranged through
the area Council on Aging, which has a special toll-free
"help line" that linked her to the program.
Council on Aging case managers, who advocate for seniors
over sixty, specialize in connecting elders with community
services that can improve their lives and address problems
like transportation, isolation, fuel assistance, Medicare,
housing and much more.
Not all seniors need a case manager, a senior companion
or the group activities available at a senior center.
Yet they do require some form of social connectivity that
keeps life bright and stimulating. For some, it is volunteering
to help others through their local RSVP, which offers
opportunities ranging from mentoring, tax assistance,
tutoring, museum guiding, literacy projects and more.
Jake, a 70 year-old widower, prefers to find connections
his own way. Gregarious and handy, Jake spends his days
walking around his neighborhood, greeting everyone he
sees and helping other less skilled senior neighbors with
small odd jobs. "I'm not much of a joiner,"
he says, "but I love people and I love my community."
Weekly church services and bowling with old pals once
a month keep Jake energized and feed his spirit.
The spectrum of possibilities for social connection is
as diverse as the people that make up your community.
Volunteering, exercise groups, adult education classes,
hobby clubs, church groups, special town events, library
programs---they may be a phone call or a short drive away.
If you can't manage any of those, begin by greeting your
neighbor or your mail carrier every day. That first small
step can plant the seed of community.
RESOURCES
- Senior Help-Line (800-642-5119)
- Senior Companion Program (call Lisa Langone for information
about the program, eligibility and volunteer training
at 802-257-2338
- RSVP Windsor County (885-2083)
- RSVP Windham County (254-7515)
- Community Cares Network (neighbor-to-neighbor support
groups that assist elderly and disabled) Chester (875-
6341), Grafton (869-1254), Putney (387-5593), Dummerston
(254-2240), Guilford (254-2240), Westminster (722-3607).
- Osher Lifelong Learning Institute provides learning
for those over 50 in Springfield and Brattleboro (885-8390).
