Dear Senior

Senior Helpers, a provider of in-home senior services in the Puget Sound region, wants you to help them deliver 500 Valentine's Day cards to lonely seniors.

According to the U.S. Surgeon General, there is a loneliness and isolation epidemic in our country.

Roughly 1 in 3 seniors:

• Feel isolated.
• Feel a lack of companionship.
• Have infrequent social contact.

The lack of connection also has physical health consequences including:

• 29% increased risk of heart disease
• 32% increased risk of stroke
• 50% increased risk of developing dementia for older adults.
• Lacking social connection increases risk of premature death by more than 60%. 

“Every day our Senior Helpers caregivers work with seniors who struggle with loneliness and isolation," says Pete Jelinek, owner of Senior Helpers of Seattle. "Our visits are the highlight of their day or week."

And now you can join in through the simple act of sending a Valentine's Day card to a lonely senior. Senior Helpers is inviting everyone in the community to participate in this campaign, regardless of age.

Last year, people of all ages made or bought cards for the program. Photos courtesy of Senior Helpers

 

To participate, mail a homemade or store-bought Valentine's card between now and February 9th and Senior Helpers will get your card into the hands of a local senior.