‘Elder orphans’ — those alone — deserve your help
Some of my best friends grew up without electricity and walked to church in their bare feet with their shoes in hand.
They bartered for groceri e s wi t h chickens and eggs at the general store and picked up the receiver of a party line phone to ask the operator toconnectthem to a neighbor.
This hardy generation lived without things some of us consider to be necessities and have life experiences that just can’t bemade up. Unlike what some may believe, the older adult can be hilarious, adventurous, wild, openminded and reasonable. People of all generations aremore alike than different.
These seasoned people have endured alcoholic fathers and unemployment. They have buried their own children and faced health scares. They have done things they regret and paid the consequences. But they have also skinny-dipped in the pond and embraced a loved one home from war.
They have felt considerable joy and jumped rope with their kids instead of doing the dishes.
This resilient population longstoremainindependent.
However, we know that we’ll all need assistance as we age. Our eyes will prevent us from detecting a stain on our shirt. Our ears may not hear the grandchildren sing. Our memory will not have room for dates and details. Our legs may not be able to hold us steady on a ladder or
help us to safely rise from a positiononthe ground. Even though we’d like to believe our body’s abilities will not leaveus, morethanlikelythey will, and we will need help.
According to AARP, 20% of Americans over the age of 65 are at risk for becoming elder orphans — a person aging alone without family to provide care.
We assume most Americans have a potential caregiver in the family. However, millions of our aging neighbors are lonely and scared, suffering because no one is willing to help them.
Asking for help is not easy, so check on your neighbors. Reach out to the elders in your church. Make sure the peoplewho used to care for you have all they need. Take groceriesandwashtheir windows. Change a lightbulband sit for a story or two. Take out the trash and bring them an ice cream sundae. Monitor the tire tread on their cars and trim the bushes. Retrieve items fromthe top shelf and fix a clogged drain.
One day, you will want this for yourself.
Heidi Arnold is a communication professor at Sinclair Community College. She strives to bring people of all perspectives to understanding by using writing and communication skills.