As we face the challenges of COVID-19, including the social distancing, we cannot help but think about one of our most vulonerable–and valuable–populations, our elderly. Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly remains committed to alleviating loneliness and isolation among our elderly. Our ability to connect and serve is more important now than ever.

With social distancing measures in place, many elders feel more isolated. Unfortunately, isolation and loneliness not only cause emotional anguish, they also have many several mental and physical health impacts including increased depression, anxiety, and decreased cognitive abilities. Profound loneliness can stress the immune system and even shorten one’s lifespan. We can combat the loneliness our elders feel, but we need to be creative and connect in ways that are safe for everyone. Little Brothers -Friends of the Elderly urges you to consider how you, personally, can reach out TODAY and provide friendship and affection for those who are home-bound, in nursing facilities, or otherwise living alone. Now is a good time to remember the power of a hand written card, a phone call, a bag of groceries with a few special treats, safely handled of course. These gestures can warm not only an elder’s heart but yours as well.

Our motto “where service to the elderly begins by being a friend” reminds us that the most important gift we bring when we knock on the door is the gift of friendship. With every service we provide and with every gesture that we do, we do it in the spirit of friendship. Let’s be creative in these weeks and months ahead in how we reach out to our valuable yet vulnerable friends. We all are stronger when generous hearts reach out, all safer when we protect the most vulnerable, and all united when we honor our most valuable elderly. Please help us come together as a community in serving our elderly friends.

What keeps us safe also keeps us away from the ones we love and the things we enjoy. Many younger folks are connecting via social media, but that leaves many of our elders behind. Now is a good time to remember the power of a hand-written card and other small things that go so far. If you want to help but aren’t sure how, call Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly at 906-482-6944, and we will help you connect.