Keep Seniors Independent and Involved -Practical Acts of Kindness

by: Ginny Dye

Sometimes elderly people can be fierce about maintaining their independence - some would say downright stubborn. But it is hard to give up taking care of oneself and give the reins over to someone else. It can diminish their spirits to depend on others to do tasks they used to do so easily.

How can you help without taking away their independence?

Following are five ideas from the free e-book, 101 Ways to Change the World. Use them to stir up your own ideas. Let’s keep our seniors involved in life – they are a valuable commodity!

1. If you have an old computer that still works, take it to an elderly person.
• Teach how to operate it to send and receive email. Give them a connection to the world.
• What a great way to keep them connected to their family and friends who are probably online too.
• Their kids and grandkids will think they are so cool, and be so impressed that they mastered the computer!
• Become an E-mail Pen Pal with them yourself!

2. Help someone around the house who is elderly or sick. You could:
• Paint
• Garden
• Mow the lawn
• Shovel snow
• Take out trash.
Just look around. You’ll be able to discover what needs to be done. If there is an extensive list of things to do, enlist the help of a couple other people - take a lunch along and make it a party! The senior will appreciate the help and the company.

3. Take daily walks with an elderly neighbor who doesn’t feel comfortable or safe going out on their own. Exercise will help keep them mobile and keep their spirits up, too. And you may just learn tidbits of history and wisdom from their perspective.

4. Birds are always a delight to watch for those who are homebound.
• Take over a bird feeder and keep it filled with birdseed.
• Hummingbirds are fun to watch. Keep their feeder filled with fresh hummingbird nectar for hours of entertainment!

5. Help the elderly or homebound decorate for the holidays. They often miss out on the fun of holidays because they aren’t able to handle the traditions and decorations. Yet they usually have boxes of items that made their holidays special over the years. Make sure you return to put them all away!

There you have it – five simple ways to make a difference in an elderly person’s life. All you have to do is make the decision to help and then do it. It’s just that simple!

About the author:
Author Ginny Dye shares practical acts of kindness that will make a difference in our world. Get 96 more tips on how you can make a difference. Go to http://www.101WaysSeries.comand request 101 Ways to Change the World"


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