“What could I possibly learn from someone in their twenties?” said the 73-year-old who had been referred into the program I manage. This attitude, along with other factors can be exactly what holds many from creating the connection and belonging they seek.
Part of my work at a mental health center is matching seniors to volunteers who will call them each week. The seniors are referred to our program by a variety of community partners because they’ve been identified as feeling lonely and isolated. I get it, I’ve felt that way myself, especially after some big life changes.