Unique Gifts for the Holidays, Part II of III

COVID-19 has forced us to physically distance ourselves from our friends and family members outside of our households. And while the pandemic has been difficult for everybody, it has presented a different challenge to seniors — a population that is at risk to severe illness from COVID-19. 

While we all may be distanced from each other, we can still make a positive impact on our neighbors and loved ones as we navigate through this pandemic. With the holidays around the corner, now is a great time to lend a helping hand to people like seniors who may be facing isolation because of the virus. Here are some ideas to make this time of year easier on a senior. 

It’s stressful to go grocery shopping during the pandemic, especially for seniors who can be exposed in crowded stores. While most grocery stores have hours dedicated specifically to seniors, you can reach out to a senior in your community and offer to make a run to the grocery store. You can also pickup a meal from a loved one’s favorite restaurant and deliver it to their home while staying physically distanced. 

One of the simplest things you can do to help a senior get through the COVID-19 era is by simply calling them to see how they are doing. More than 25 percent of people aged 65 or older live alone according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. By reaching out to a senior, you can help with their mental health and let them know that they are not going through this time alone. You can help a senior in your life get acquainted with technology and set up Face Time or Zoom with family as well. 

In March, local reports of scammers using the pandemic to target seniors surfaced. You can assist seniors in your life to avoid scams by helping them blocking solicitations, setting up safeguards at the bank, arranging for limited account oversight and by making regular calls to the senior in your life to check in on them.

Helping out seniors in your family or circle of friends is key always, but making a utility payment, an insurance payment, or buying them a few groceries, is a great way to support and care for our seniors.

With cold weather ahead of us for months, opportunities are available to offer to take care of the exterior of a senior’s home. You can help by shoveling snow, mowing their lawn and more. To support seniors in your community, you can donate to local organizations like Meals on Wheels to ensure that elderly residents are getting fed. 

Seniors have seen different eras in history throughout their lives, but adjusting to this pandemic has been life altering for everybody — especially those who are living alone. Doing simple things can help make a big difference for someone during this difficult time.