Neighbors are often unsung heroes, ready to watch the dog when we’re out of town or lend a cup of sugar when we don’t have time to make a grocery run. Aging adults especially can benefit from having a supportive, caring community around them. With over 60 million Americans aged 65 and older, it’s likely you have a senior neighbor in your own community – whether next door or just down the street. Many seniors prefer to “age in place,” staying in their own home as they get older. These people often depend on members of their community to play a role in helping them maintain their independence and quality of life.
Here are 10 meaningful ways you can assist an aging neighbor and help them thrive while continuing to live independently in their homes:
1. Introduce Yourself
The first step to take with an aging neighbor is to simply introduce yourself to them and their family members and/or caregiver. If they are open to it, exchange emergency contact information in case an issue arises. Just knowing that someone nearby has this information can provide major peace of mind to both the senior and their family – especially if they live far away.
2. Visit and Check In With Them
There are simple ways to provide your neighbor with the social engagement they need to thrive. Say hello when you see them at the mailbox, or stop by their house every so often and have a chat. Especially if you haven’t seen them in a while, or notice their mail or newspapers are piling up, checking to make sure they are okay can be a huge help. They will likely have many stories to share, and will love hearing your stories, too.
3. Offer to Help with Errands
Sometimes everyday errands like grocery shopping can be daunting for seniors. With mobility challenges or potentially limited transportation access, quickly running to the store to pick up some items may not be an option. You can make their day a little easier by asking your aging neighbors if they need anything when you are going to the store.
4. Prepare Meals
Everyone loves a home cooked meal, no matter the age. When you are making a meal or baking sweet treats, consider making a little extra to bring over to your aging neighbor’s house so they can enjoy some too.
5. Help with Home Maintenance
Certain home maintenance tasks become harder to complete with age. Some ways to help include offering to mow your neighbor’s lawn, rake leaves, or shovel snow. You can also ask if they have anything that needs fixing in their home, like changing a lightbulb or replacing the batteries on a smoke detector.
6. Offer Help with Transportation
Some seniors do not have a car, or driving may no longer be a safe option for them. Additionally, many seniors do not have family nearby to take them to doctors appointments or shopping. Every so often, offer them a ride to appointments, senior centers, stores, or community events. If you are not able to drive them consistently, you can introduce them to senior ride-sharing services in the area. You can find a list of available Chicagoland transportation services in the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center General Resource Guide created by Cháron Cannon, MSW, LSW.
7. Help with Pets
Pets can have significant emotional and physical benefits for seniors. However, with age, taking care of a pet can become more difficult. You can offer to feed or bathe the pet, play with it or take it on walks, or help with the less glamorous tasks, like cleaning a litter box.
8. Assist with Technology
There are some parts of technology that can be confusing or complex for seniors. Ask your aging neighbor if they need any help working their technological devices, whether it be fixing their television, adding shortcuts on their computer, downloading apps on their tablet, adding contacts or deleting pictures on their phone, or any other task that may arise.
9. Help Protect Them Against Scams
Seniors are highly susceptible to scams, and thus are frequently targeted. Some common internet scams include phishing scams, fake check or overpayment scams, government official scams, fake sweepstakes, and more. Offer to help your neighbor determine if messages are real or fraudulent as they come up. Intervene if you notice your neighbor being tricked into suspicious activity, and help them report these scams.
10. Connect Them with Community Resources
Sometimes seniors are not aware of available resources in the community that could be beneficial to them. Let them or their caregivers know about any relevant opportunities you hear about, like book clubs for seniors, adult day services, senior fitness classes, veterans’ programs, and more. If you’re unsure where to start, identify the local Area Agency on Aging, which can connect you to various supports for your aging neighbor. The Illinois Cognitive Resources Network also has a directory of resources available here.
Conclusion
The simplest way community members can step up and be a good neighbor is to pay attention. By recognizing signs and offering support when needed, neighbors can be more than just a big help – they can be a lifesaver. Not just to an aging neighbor, but also their caregivers, who may be experiencing burden from overwhelming responsibilities. Investing in relationships with the seniors in your community will also likely benefit you, especially if you have spare time and are looking for meaningful ways to use it.
Cultivating engaged, active communities ultimately benefits all parties involved, and is a critical step to prioritizing the cognitive health of all populations. Research shows that social connectedness can help reduce the risk of chronic disease and serious illness, including dementia. Taking small, tangible steps towards being a good neighbor is also working towards a healthier world.
The great thing is, you can take that first step today by becoming a Dementia Friend or connecting with your local Dementia Friendly community. These movements are designed to educate the public about dementia in order to reduce stigma and provide tools for the social connection that makes our communities better. Learn more here.
Sources: National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control, Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, AgingCare, Henry Ford Health, Assisting Hands Home Care Agency, Florida Senior Consulting Advisors
