Our Seniors

© Duchess O’Blunt, 2010; all rights reserved.

I believe it is every persons responsibility to give back to their community.

I’m a practical person, I see things differently than some people, and I also strongly believe that charity should begin at home - you should contributed to the community that supports you and your family.

I do not suggest that you forget about your favorite charities, or that you stop supporting your troops, medical research, your child sponsorship, or any other charity you support. Not by any means.

There are so many things that you can do within your community that will cost little, and will bring enjoyment and pleasure to others. With a little thought, you can contribute to your community in many ways. The simplest is to buy from your local stores [another hub].

Just for starters, let’s talk about the senior citizens in your immediately circle. The world’s population has a growing demographic of seniors and they are quite often ignored, despite what they have contributed in their lifetime to their home, their communities, and their country. If you are in a charitable mood, think of them and take the time to do something with them/for them.

For many who are shut in, a simple visit is a gift they will cherish. Some are not able to get out and about, and to have a visitor will brighten their day, and give them something to remember without going too far out of your way.

There are others who may not be "shut in", but would still be thrilled with a visit. Their children and other family members may not be able to visit, and a visit from a friend often helps fill in that gap.

Bring them something small to let them know you thought of them specifically. Let them know they are a valuable member of the community in this very small way.

If you can afford it, bring in lunch and share a meal with them. Depending on the person, it could be something they can help prepare, or it could be the local Chinese take out.

In most cases, it's the little things that mean so much

For the most part, seniors cannot go out jogging, cannot afford a gym membership and in some cases have very limited mobility. By helping them to get whatever exercise they CAN do, you are offering them something that most people just don’t think about.

It could be something as simple as taking them on a stroll. That could mean up and down the hallway of their apartment building (if the weather is awful). It could mean a stroll around the block or you could take them to the local mall and let them explore some of the shops.

Remember to moderate your speed to match what they are capable of and be patient if they stop and look at absolutely everything. They might not have the opportunity you are giving them very often.

Technology changes every single minute of every day. Quite often the seniors in your immediate family and in your community do not have the opportunity to learn because they are on a fixed income and cannot afford the equipment. If you are interested in charitable work for your community, and have the ability to take older technology that others no longer want, consider starting a collection of used computers, cleaning them up and providing them to the seniors in your community.

If you are someone who has the time to teach them, you could start your own seniors community for learning. This would be a great project for students looking to fill in their community hours. It would also be a great opportunity for local businesses to contribute old computers as they are replaced in the work force. With the right approach you will be surprised at the number of people willing to help out with a "donation" of older technology.

Approach your local library and see if there are any classes you could assist with or teach. Talk to your local churches and see if they would be willing to donate a room where you could set up some computers. Solicit the help of family, friends, and church members to organize and make the necessary arrangements.

When you think about the changes you have seen in your life time, and then you stop and think about everything that someone much older than you has seen in their life time, the stories they could tell! Just imagine walking one single mile in their shoes. The memories, for many, are all they have left. It only takes a visit, a willing listener and a few strategic questions to give them an afternoon of reliving some of them.

If you have time to spend, you can learn so very much. So while you are offering them something, they very often are offering you just as much, if not more, in return. Listen to them, encourage them to share. You will be as rewarded as they are.

Our seniors hold a wealth of information. They have witnessed history in the making, have often helped to build corporations, been instrumental in developing policies, many have fought for the freedom we enjoy, and are directly or indirectly, responsible for the development of the previous generation(s). Given the chance, they have much to offer your community. All that is lacking is the opportunity.

Be innovative, think outside the box, and find your own ways to offer those opportunities. You will be doing your community a favor.

Respect and honor our senior citizens. They have earned it.