Many people do not know of the services that an Office or Agency for the Aging can provide until they are faced with a crisis. By building a stronger community and involving our youth, we hope to help others learn what we can do to help the older adult population remain independent, secure, and active in their community. We often talk about assisting a person to age in place. Through information and education, we strive to foster public awareness of available resources and issues impacting our older adults, their families and caregivers.
I recently had the honor of attending Older New Yorkers Day in Albany as we celebrated our Volunteer of the Year with other counties across New York state and accepted the Older New Yorkers Innovation Award from the Association on Aging in New York for our collaboration with the Norwich High School CARE program.
As I sat with a few of the students who were able to attend the event with us, I asked what it meant to be a part of our agency to enhance services for older adults in our community. The students talked about how it made them feel connected and a sense of pride in giving back to the community. They have enjoyed the bond created with several of the older adults they deliver meals to and love the smiles they receive and quick conversations.
Reflecting on our conversations from that day, I am thankful for the collaboration created this past year with the CARE program. It created an opportunity for our youth and our older adults in the community to lift one another’s spirit. With this success, we plan to grow the program, creating more opportunities for collaboration between these age groups.
Words of encouragement matter, especially to our older adults. As people age, they often face changes physically, emotionally and mentally. These changes can leave someone feeling isolated, alone and sometimes discouraged. Words of encouragement are essential for the emotional well-being of our youth and our older adult population.
The words exchanged between our older adults and our youth have given a sense of purpose and helped them to stay motivated. Positive feedback is a powerful tool and can be especially valuable and kind, as it can serve as a reminder that they are still valued and appreciated in our community.
Thank you to our CARES program students and all our volunteers for the profound impact you have on our older adult population and the collaboration to enhance services in the community. By showing kindness and compassion toward the older adult population, our youth and volunteers were able to raise their own level of happiness by helping an older adult.
It is important to help people feel valued no matter what their age. By each of us doing a small part, we can effectively create a more cohesive and supportive community for all ages. Simple acts of kindness will make a big difference. A simple greeting of “hello” or even a smile can impact another person. A phone call or a card, helping with yard work, stopping for a moment and having a conversation are all simple gestures that can have a positive impact on another person.
Encouraging words are powerful as they focus on a person’s accomplishments and strengths, instead of someone’s weaknesses. A phrase as simple as “You’re not alone; we’re here for you” or “You’re appreciated more than you know”.
Volunteering in your community with the Area Agency for Aging or Office of Aging is always encouraged. More than half of the home-delivered meals in Chenango County are delivered by people taking an hour out of their day once a week.
We challenge each of you reading this to find ways to make a positive difference for older adults. Volunteering or even expressing appreciation for an older adult’s contribution to the community you live in or your own circle of family and friends is rewarding and appreciated.