Sharing is caring
Community groups launch joint action to combat seniors’ isolation, promote kindness
It could be as simple as waving hello to a neighbour or a passerby. Small gestures can help combat seniors’ isolation and contribute to the development of an age- inclusive city.
“Kindness is an easy thing to share. And even a smile sends a simple message,” said Gloria Schurman, the director of the East Prince Seniors Initiative. Recently, Schurman, Heather Blouin of Home Instead Senior Care, and representatives from more than a dozen other community groups, launched a new initiative aiming to lessen isolation and promote social inclusion for seniors.
Based on the 2016 Canadian Census, there are about 3,093
seniors ( 65 years and older) in Summerside, said Schurman. “In order to make sure they don’t feel isolated we’ve made these kindness card reminders that will be spread through the city, at businesses, poster boards, public buildings and maybe even in schools to promote acts of kindness and to remind others to be neighbourly.” Schurman added with a chuckle, “after completing an act, try passing on the card to share the message. Or stick it on your fridge as a constant reminder.”
She and Blouin plan to have the number of cards mimic the number of seniors in the city. “We have a healthy group of volunteers targeting a specifi c group of people. But with this initiative, we won’t be tracking numbers. We won’t know how far it will reach, so we really hope people take it upon themselves to make it snowball. It will be the whole community’s eff ort,” said Blouin.
She added, “With the hustle and bustle of today’s society, it’s hard to take a moment some- times, pausing for that second to hold the door or give a smile. It’s not only important to the receiver, but it makes the provider feel good too.” There is no official kickoff set for the initiative, but the pair hope to see cards and posters circulate in the coming weeks. “One of the most powerful acts of kindness are the ones you don’t have to report back on. The ones that bring intrinsic reflection and spread happiness,” Blouin said.