Unique Gifts for the Holidays (PART II)
It is easy to overlook the little things in life — like not being socially isolated, being able to drive to a grocery store or other necessary places like doctor appointments, having the ability to be mobile and take care of your driveway when it snows, and other day to day tasks.
Around 13.8 million older adults, or 28 percent of older adults, in the United States live alone, according to a report by the Administration for Community Living’s Administration on Aging of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. People who are alone due to an unexpected event like a death, separation from family or friends, loss of mobility, lack of transportation, and retirement are at risk of social isolation and loneliness, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Social isolation and loneliness are linked to higher risks for physical and mental conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, and death, the National Institutes of Health says.
Nobody likes to be lonely, especially around this time of year as the calendar turns and the holidays approach. Thankfully, La Voz has plenty of ideas this holiday season to make a difference in an older adult’s life. Consider helping vulnerable older adults around their house, with food, and more this holiday season with these ideas from our staff.
Volunteer for Meals on Wheels
Many home-bound seniors rely on Volunteers of America’s Meals on Wheels Program which serves Adams, Arapahoe, Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, Gilpin, Jefferson and Larimer counties. The program utilizes volunteers to deliver meals to home-bound people. Meals include an entrée and accompaniments like vegetables, fruits, breads and milk.
To learn more information about volunteering for the Meals on Wheels Program, visit https://www.voacolorado.org/volunteer-opportunities/meals-on-wheels.
Denver’s Snow Angels
The City of Denver’s Agency of Human Rights and Community Partnerships offers its Snow Angels program to assist residents in Denver in need of assistance shoveling their sidewalks during the winter.
This program is specifically for Denver City and County residents and is volunteer driven. If you live in Denver, you can work with your local registered neighborhood organization to get involved with the program and other city-wide initiatives. You can reach the program by contacting 720-913-SNOW (7669) or by emailing snowangels@denvergov.org.
Volunteer at a senior living community
If you enjoy spending time with older adults, you may want to consider volunteering at a senior living community. For example, Golden West, a senior living community in Boulder, offers volunteer opportunities for people in Boulder. Volunteers are matched with jobs based on their skills and interests and are mostly required to contribute one to three hours of volunteering per week. Those who are interested in volunteering at Golden West can learn more at https://www. gwboulder.org/volunteer-at-golden-west-senior-living/.
If you are interested in volunteering at a senior living community, we suggest exploring opportunities at a community nearest to you.
