Giving Elders the Attention They Deserve Through Pen Pal Programs

By taking the time to communicate well with the elderly, one can learn much and also create special bonds. Particularly for older citizens who are more isolated, perhaps because of illness or living alone, paying attention to what they have to say is important. Whether recipients of in-home nursing care in San Francisco or more independent, senior citizens can benefit interpersonally by participating in special pen pal programs with younger people who care. This fantastic form of preserving the special knowledge of elders also helps them to feel remembered and included.

Emotional and Psychological Health

Feeling isolated is common for seniors. Some live alone after their spouse has passed away, others live far from family or friends, while others don’t have close loved ones. Still more may live in nursing home communities where deep connection with others is lacking. These factors are coupled with the fact that the pace of the ever-changing modern world can make aspects of daily life impersonal and alienating. Particularly those who lack close relationships with loved ones, feeling alone and isolated cause many elders to feel depressed. Also, the frustrations of not being as nimble as in the past, or losing cognitive and physical function can take a heavy toll on those growing older.

By keeping in consistent contact with a special friend through letter writing, this helps give a sense of belonging. Most elders are more than happy to share their experiences and unique wisdom with others, and this gives them their medium. Intentionally sitting down to write is a healthy addition to routine, encouraging a focus on the positive, and also allowing for cathartic communication of feelings. Writing helps to give a sense of purpose in sharing thoughts and wisdom, and joy in receiving kind words and an eagerly listening ear from another. The ritual of reading these special communications and responding with pen and paper can become a highlight of daily life for lonely senior citizens. Seniors can ultimately find they have a meaningful connection with their pal, enriching the lives of both.

Social Advantages of Written Letters

While there are many reasonably computer savvy elders, there are still a large number in the older community that struggle with technology. This is very frustrating for those that wish to reach out and connect with others, and can make one feel left behind. With traditional letter writing, though, the medium is simple and familiar. The nature of putting together a real letter and holding something tangible from another person is naturally more engaging and personal. Elders, whether independent or receiving home care services in San Francisco, can also feel appreciated and special knowing that someone else took the time to dedicate to writing just for them. Not to mention that a physical letter is easy to take out and re-read whenever they like, in times when they feel lonely.

Keeping in contact with a younger person can help keep older people up to date with the goings-on of the world around them, and also help to develop, or re-strengthen, their social skills. Through occupation with connecting with their pen pal, seniors are less likely to get bored with the day-to-day. They can even develop new interests, ideas, and passions by communicating closely with their special correspondent. Composing a letter requires a creative vein, and provides a source of enjoyment, especially for those discovering, or re-discovering, a love for the written word.

Every pen pal lends something unique and special in their efforts to connect with an older person, inspiring in a wide variety of ways. Pen pals that live in other distinct regions or countries, or simply living in another cultural context, can impart their experiences and provide learning experiences, and the elder can reciprocate. This creates the enriching opportunities for exchange of ideas and a widening of world view for both. They can connect over commonalities and gain valuable insights sharing differences. Each can even offer advice and comfort to the other pal in more difficult times, creating a healing and uplifting sense of support.

Physical and Cognitive Benefits

Whether able to communicate independently or needing assistance, such as those with 24 hour live-in care in San Francisco, reading, or being read to, and responding is engaging. Especially for those physically writing and reading with their own eyes, such actions encourage brain function and health. This coupled with consistent engagement in games and reading books or newspapers, for example, helps to strengthen the brain and prevent diseases like dementia. Even for elders already diagnosed with earlier signs of conditions like dementia, keeping occupied with such activities help slow the onset of memory loss and maintain a better quality of life.

Another health concern related to age, arthritis, can be lessened through writing. Though not a cure, regular exercise, like through the motion of using a pen, helps to soften joints and requires engagement of fine motor skills. Such mild, but regular movement helps to maintain a greater level of dexterity and ease the pain of stiff joints. Even the knowledge of having someone out there, waiting for a reply letter, can help motivate seniors to do all they can to take care of their well-being. This can lead to a healthier, more fulfilling lifestyle as a whole, including regular, mild exercise and daily self-care, for those who are able. For those with less ability to take care of themselves because of illness, like those who receive in-home care in San Francisco, such positivity can still be very inspiring to keep on living with enthusiasm, despite their daily.