The Power of Daily Contact: Combating Loneliness in Aging Adults
Meals on Wheels meal deliveries are a health lifeline for many in our community, but we’ve always maintained that our mission is often “more than a meal”. A Meals on Wheels delivery arrives with more than just food and nourishment, but also connection and companionship for homebound and aging adults. As we observe Stress Awareness Month, it’s crucial to recognize the profound impact that loneliness can have on the mental health and well-being of our elderly neighbors. It’s also important to note how daily interactions, like those that accompany a Meals on Wheels delivery, can offer a powerful countermeasure to loneliness and isolation.
the silent epidemic of loneliness
Prolonged isolation can have devastating effects on the health of our elderly and homebound neighbors.
Loneliness in aging adults is often described as a silent epidemic because it is a widespread issue that significantly impacts their health and well-being, yet it frequently goes unnoticed or is often not discussed openly in society.
Research shows that social isolation and loneliness can have detrimental effects on one’s health. A concrete example - the AARP notes that prolonged isolation can have the same health effects as smoking 15 cigarettes a day!
Social isolation and loneliness can increase the risk of premature death by up to 29% and they have been linked to a 50% increase in the risk of developing dementia. They produce a 32% increase in the risk of a stroke and a 29% increase in the risk of heart disease [Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences]. The health implications associated with prolonged isolation are often catastrophic for our aging and elderly populations.
daily visits = more than a meal
At Meals on Wheels of Loveland and Berthoud, we understand that our role extends beyond nutrition. The daily visits by our dedicated volunteers are a crucial interaction for many of our clients, offering moments of connection and socialization that brighten their days. These interactions are vital in breaking the dark cycle of isolation. Each knock offers more than just a friendly face, but also a consistent health and wellness check that many of our clients rely on. Families find comfort in knowing that someone is looking out for their loved one and checking in on them every day.
introducing the Friendly Visitors program
Building on the success of daily meal deliveries, we are excited to announce the upcoming launch of our new Friendly Visitors Program. This initiative is designed to provide an even deeper level of engagement with our clients. Volunteers working through the Friendly Visitors Program will not only deliver meals but also spend quality time visiting with clients, engaging in conversation, sharing stories, and building meaningful relationships. The purpose of this program is to deepen the sense of community and belonging for our clients, offering more opportunities for interaction and shared experiences. Friendships will bloom!
Building connections with those often forgotten takes dedication from the entire community.
A Community Effort
Fighting the loneliness epidemic that plagues aging adults requires a community effort. By integrating daily contact through meal deliveries and our new Friendly Visitors Program, Meals on Wheels of Loveland and Berthoud is actively working to create a strong network of support and care. There is power in community and great strides can be made even through seemingly small acts of kindness and intentional connection.
As we look forward to the launch of our Friendly Visitors Program, we are reminded of the impact that each visit, each meal, and each conversation can have on the lives of our clients. our volunteers aren’t just delivering meals - they are delivering companionship, care, and a reminder that no one is alone. We proudly reaffirm our commitment to our clients - nourishing not just their bodies, but their souls as well - ensuring that they feel valued, cared for, and connected.