Have you ever considered making friendly visits?
An enriching experience for all involved (unlike doom scrolling & virtue signaling)
Since I never stop encouraging people to find ways to help others, it’s no surprise that I often get asked for suggestions. I usually keep it appropriately vague — prompting folks to tune into themselves and discover what inspires their passion.
That said, I’m here today with a very specific recommendation. Here’s a little background first:
From 2019 into early 2020, I volunteered with a local non-profit to do “friendly visits.” Some of you might be familiar with the idea so I’ll keep the description brief.
Volunteers are matched up with senior citizens in their geographical area. These seniors are typically homebound and/or have very little support. The volunteers commit to one long weekly visit with the seniors — going out and about if they are up to it.
I applied, went for an interview, and passed the background check. After that, I was placed with Ruth. She was 88 and lived in my general neighborhood (about a 25-minute walk away).
Without divulging too much info, Ruth’s only child had passed away and her remaining family members were a granddaughter who was away at school and a grandson who did his best to keep an eye on his grandma. The rest of the time, Ruth was left to her own devices.
That’s how and why I entered the picture.
Ruth and I hit it off and, weather permitting, I’ll walk with her for as long as she wanted. She shared stories, introduced me to friends we encountered along the way, and we’d sometimes find a place to eat lunch together. Every Monday was set aside for seeing Ruth and she’d sometimes call me during the week to chat.
I won’t share much more except to say that everything came to a grinding halt when the unnecessary and deadly lockdowns were imposed. The last time I saw Ruth was in early March 2020.
That reality doesn’t change the simple beauty of the friendly visit concept. Programs like this exist all over the world. The time commitment is minimal but the impact is huge — for everyone involved.
And just think: The two or three hours you allocate to brightening a senior citizen’s life is time not squandered on doom scrolling, virtue signaling, comment section flame wars, or watching TV.
Everyone wins.
Therefore, I speak from personal experience when I urge you to consider this option if you want to create some momentum as a giver and a difference-maker.
Please be sure to tell us how it goes!
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Yes I did this for years. Mary Anne lived to be just over 100. She died 6 years ago. Before that I visited a second old lady both from our church. I went irregularly to the elderly home till the world came to a halt. I kept going to the nonagenarian and help cleaning. And a few times a year I host a birthday party for a few friends who like me have no nearby family and that is great fun
I love this. Thank you. I'm looking for a group like that here.