Every May, the Administration for Community Living leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month (OAM), a time to recognize older Americans’ contributions, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm commitments to serving the older adults in our communities. The 2024 theme is Powered by Connection, which recognizes the profound impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on our health and well-being.

At Springwell, we know the vital role that connectedness plays in supporting independence and aging in place by combatting isolation, loneliness, and other issues. We support connections in all of our programs, especially:

Our Friendly Visitor Program in which volunteers and lonely older adults are matched according to neighborhood proximity and shared interests. In many cases, introductory meetings lead to regular shared visits either in the older adult’s home or at a mutually agreed upon location out in the community. More information about volunteering can be found here, and stories about Friendly Visitor matches can be seen here and here.

Springwell’s Meals on Wheels Program is so much more than a daily nutritious meal (but it’s that, too). Every weekday, Springwell delivers nearly 2,000 meals directly to the door of older adults who may not see anyone else that day. The friendly driver handing the meal directly to the older adult acts as a wellness check and alerts care managers of anything that needs to be followed up on. This program is always in search of staff and volunteer drivers!

Taking care of monthly bill paying and maintaining a budget can be overwhelming for some people due to aging or physical limitations. Springwell’s Money Management Program helps match an overwhelmed older adult or adult with disabilities with a caring, highly trained and supervised volunteer who can help monthly with bill paying and budgeting. Learn more about this very special volunteer opportunity here, and read a Money Management success story here.