On a recent afternoon, I walked through the Corcoran neighborhood to the Bloomington Avenue post office. As I passed each home, I wondered if there was an elder inside, sitting all alone, feeling lonely and isolated.
Census figures show that one-third of elderly persons in Minneapolis lives alone; as many as two-thirds of women 85-89 are alone. And while living alone doesn’t automatically indicate loneliness, isolation in the elderly is usually not by choice. Aging often comes with isolating factors such as declining eyesight, limited mobility and poor balance. Elders who at a younger age had been outgoing and sociable may no longer have the ability to engage with neighbors or friends – even if they want to.
Isolation and loneliness carries risks to elders, too. They have a greater chance of falling, suffering from depression, stress and malnutrition, and developing heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and decreased immunities.
You can brighten the lives of elder neighbors and enrich your own by getting to know them. They contribute to the rich tapestry of our neighborhood. They know the community’s history, block by block, and pass its story down to younger generations. They keep a guardian’s eye on our children and property, enhancing our sense of security. And they enjoy an unhurried conversation, forging enduring friendships that enhance our community’s livability.
If you know of an elder who needs companionship, you can also refer them to Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly at 612-721-6215, 1845 East Lake Street. Volunteer elder visitors are always welcome and needed, too.
LuAnne Speeter is the Interim Executive Director of Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly.
Contribute, advertise, or learn more about Corcoran News.
Click here for current edition.
On a recent afternoon, I walked through the Corcoran neighborhood to the Bloomington Avenue post office. As I passed each home, I wondered if there was an elder inside, sitting all alone, feeling lonely and isolated.
Census figures show that one-third of elderly persons in Minneapolis lives alone; as many as two-thirds of women 85-89 are alone. And while living alone doesn’t automatically indicate loneliness, isolation in the elderly is usually not by choice. Aging often comes with isolating factors such as declining eyesight, limited mobility and poor balance. Elders who at a younger age had been outgoing and sociable may no longer have the ability to engage with neighbors or friends – even if they want to.
Isolation and loneliness carries risks to elders, too. They have a greater chance of falling, suffering from depression, stress and malnutrition, and developing heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and decreased immunities.
You can brighten the lives of elder neighbors and enrich your own by getting to know them. They contribute to the rich tapestry of our neighborhood. They know the community’s history, block by block, and pass its story down to younger generations. They keep a guardian’s eye on our children and property, enhancing our sense of security. And they enjoy an unhurried conversation, forging enduring friendships that enhance our community’s livability.
If you know of an elder who needs companionship, you can also refer them to Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly at 612-721-6215, 1845 East Lake Street. Volunteer elder visitors are always welcome and needed, too.
LuAnne Speeter is the Interim Executive Director of Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly.
Contribute, advertise, or learn more about Corcoran News.
Click here for current edition.