“We must all work together to build a better world for our children, and that starts with caring for our elders.” – Nelson Mandela
Throughout SSM Health’s Year of Kindness Challenge, we’ve focused on being present and extending kindness to those around us and with whom our paths cross – neighbors, family members, strangers, co-workers, even our planet. To follow September’s set of prompts, however, we’ll venture beyond our daily routines to seek out some special individuals: our senior citizens.
According to the US Administration on Aging, 14.7 million older adults live alone — often going days or even weeks without any social interaction. Senior adults are more likely to face isolation due to factors such as the loss of family or friends, chronic illness, and hearing loss. This can significantly increase the risk of premature death from all causes, as loneliness is as detrimental to our health as smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity.
Simply seeking out and engaging older adults is one of the easiest ways to share kindness and let older adults know they are valued. This leaves a lasting, positive impact, as research has shown that acts of kindness can improve the physical and mental health of a senior citizen.
But the benefits of engaging with our senior citizens and treating them with kindness and respect returns to us tenfold. They have accumulated an immense wealth of experience and wisdom that can serve as a beacon for all of us.
The series of prompts from this month’s Year of Kindness Challenge provide us with a great opportunity to seek out the older adults in our lives, listen to their stories, and make them feel seen, heard, and loved. Please join us by following along below or downloading this month’s flyer.
September: Be kind to a senior citizen
| September 2 – 8 |
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| September 9 – 15 |
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| September 16 – 22 |
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| September 23 – 29 |
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| September 30 – October 6 |
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