One of the most inaccurate stereotypes about seniors is that their best work is behind them. We know this because of the hundreds of senior volunteers we see positively impacting our community daily!
Seniors need what we all need, love and work, a sense of connection, bonds that matter deeply, and a reason to get up in the morning.
But for so many decades, seniors have been consigned to a world that’s both isolated and cut off from that sense of purpose. Many feel invisible. Society has consciously and systematically separated people by age where we have relatively little contact with one another. It’s time to make a change!
At Seniors in Service, multiple generations work together on our staff and as volunteers in our community. We know that bringing generations together is mutually beneficial and creates a greater sense of joy. That’s why we believe it’s so important to develop opportunities for senior generations and let old, young, and all the people in the middle mix in the context of daily life.
Rachel, one of our college-aged Health Buddies volunteers, learned her client Agnes was struggling to eat solid foods while she waited to receive new dentures. Rachel recently had braces and remembered how her teeth ached! Rachel shared with Agnes how her mom blended her proteins, like chicken, with barbeque sauce to make it “sloppy joe” style. Agnes gave it a try and was thrilled to enjoy solid foods again. Now she’s excited to cook!
Even though Rachel had not dealt with this common generational issue herself, she was still able to pull from a relevant experience. Oftentimes you might not think someone from a different generation may be able to relate to you or understand you, but we’re here to tell you they can.
I encourage you to break down age-related barriers in your own life and seek out opportunities to engage with people from different generations. And join us at the Bridging Generations Breakfast on September 15, 2023 at Palma Ceia Country Club from 7:30-9am to honor all the volunteers who connect generations for the good of all Tampa Bay.
Click the button below to learn how you can be a part of the Bridging Generations Breakfast.