Teen assisting seniors during pandemic
TREDYFFRIN » A Conestoga High School student has bridged the generational gap between seniors and kids during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Fifteen-year-old Hita Gupta sends care packages to senior citizens. The sophomore is founder of “Brighten a Day,” which distributes packages, including a puzzle book (usually large print), a coloring book and coloring pencils, along with an uplifting handwritten note.
She sent cards to four local nursing homes: Sunrise of Paoli; Wayne Center; The Devon Senior Living; and Green Meadows Nursing Center.
The non-profit is “dedicated to giving back to the most vulnerable groups in society” and has sent more than 2,000 cards to 35 hospitals and nursing homes in seven states, according to Hita.
“Seniors are more susceptible to the virus and also show more severe symptoms,” Hita said. “Nursing homes throughout the United State (including the one where I volunteer) are being closed off to visitors.”
Hita developed the 501(c)3 charitable organization after visitors were barred from nursing homes. She is a volunteer at Daylesford Crossing in Paoli.
“Many residents are experiencing boredom, loneliness, isolation and anxiety as they are unable to meet family or friends,” she said.
Hita noted that when seniors are not mentally healthy, it can have a negative effect on their physical health as well.
“This virus is only making this problem bigger,” she said. “It’s still a pretty big issue.”
At Daylesford Crossing, Hita interacts with seniors while calling BINGO, playing trivia and teaching computer usage. She plays brain games and exercises with those with dementia.
The avid fiction reader also visits the Tredyffrin and Paoli libraries where elementary school students – and sometimes their parents – write notes to seniors for the holidays. She also shipped school supplies to an orphanage in India.
Hita coined the organization’s name, Brighten a Day, from the feeling the sun evokes.
“I want to share smiles, cheer people up and keep them from feeling lonely,” she said.
“I want to cheer up the seniors and let them know that they are not alone in this difficult time,” she said. “The community cares about them.”
Hita drops the care packages at the nursing home doors. She can’t see the residents accept their gifts.
“It’s good to know that I’m able to bring joy to so many seniors,” she said.
For more information or to donate, go to www. brightenaday.weebly.com.
Most of us are struggling in the Pandemic forced isolation, either living alone, or in close proximity to family with whom we never has spent so much time in constant close togetherness. (In my neighborhood, there are dogs who have had so many more walks than they ever had before!). Most, if not all of us, miss our former daily connections, even if brief. However, this social isolation is even more difficult for seniors who were accustomed to meeting up with peers at senior centers and other venues. In New York, per The New York Times, 30,000 seniors a day met at gathering centers away from their homes. A study by the AARP compared the prolonged effects of isolation to those of smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
Awareness of the devastating effects of isolation on seniors can prompt us to assist friends, family and neighbors when we are able. Providing some type of connection, even a telephone call to someone, can make a difference. Approximately one-third of adults age 65 and older, per surveys, have not used the internet and may not have internet at home. They may not have smart phones, desktop computers, or tablets. If someone can obtain the hardware, this opens possibilities for more connections such as seeing people on their devices, attending classes via Zoom, using YouTube, and much more. This might need significant contact via telephone to help set up the appropriate programs for them.
However, be cautious since older people, especially lonely people, are more vulnerable to scams.
Telephone calls are still a good start and a schedule can be set up to make sure