“Are You Depressed?” Flipped to Service and Purpose
Purpose and connection can bring someone back to life in ways medicine alone cannot. After years of isolation and loneliness, Ann discovered a renewed sense of joy through the Senior Companion Program. What began as a conversation about volunteering became a life-changing opportunity to build friendships, support another senior in need, and rediscover meaning, routine, and belonging through compassionate service.
‘Are you depressed?’ My doctor would ask that question EVERY visit. I was tired of being alone, disabled and not being part of a community. Every day I sat in my chair trying to figure out what to do with my time.
Then I met Carmen with Seniors in Service. She told me how volunteering could change my life! And she was right!! Now I serve as a Senior Companion to a woman with dementia. I visit her three times a week and we talk about her family, reminisce about her life growing up in the big city of Philadelphia, and share recipes we both like to cook.
I look forward to every week. Getting dressed and heading out with my uniform on and my volunteer badge gives me purpose. Becoming a Seniors in Service volunteer brought me back to life. Now when the doctor asks if I’m depressed, I share all the great things I get to do as a Senior Companion with a BIG SMILE!
– Ann, Senior Companion Volunteer
Find Purpose Through Connection
Become a Senior Companion and help bring friendship, comfort, and support to isolated seniors while enriching your own life through service.
Here To Help
