Moudy: A reminder to support our elderly neighbors, loved ones

When was the last time you helped an elderly neighbor carry their groceries in or volunteered at your local senior center? I assume that for most readers it has been a while. The elderly population is often overlooked and in many rural communities, need increased support. Though organizations like the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature are fighting for legislative changes, the population remains underserviced. Engaging rural communities and young people in local service with older adults can alleviate the burdens that stem from insufficient government aid.

With over 10,000 baby boomers turning 65 each day, there is a strain on the systems in place to support them. In rural America, fewer programs are available to support the needs of aging adults. Additionally, the poverty levels in these Texas counties are on average 1.5 times the national levels. This is where public servants can be of utmost importance. Public service is a call to support the communities, people, and systems that support us. Service looks different for everyone, but there are simple ways that we can all be involved and aware of our fellow citizens.

Before service comes the need for strong intergenerational relationships, which are essential to creating a cohesive community. This can only be accomplished by spending time with people of different generations, backgrounds, experiences, and demographics. Young people can benefit from the wisdom of older adults and can increase connections within their community. When a relationship is formed, needs are seen and can then be met. If we are ignorant of people and their needs, we are ignorant of our call to love others. Seniors who are in community are shown to have a higher quality of life, typically leading to a lower dependency on government resources.

Service can be incorporated into our daily lives and can become routine. For example, when you are mowing the lawn, hop across the street to your elderly neighbor’s house and mow their yard too. Or, next time you place a grocery delivery, have one sent to an older adult who is homebound. Service doesn’t have to cost money either. You could commit an hour or two at the local senior center or nursing home, spending time developing those crucial relationships with community members by playing games or sharing a meal. When we commit this effort to caring for seniors, we are doing more than just bringing a smile to their faces; we can check on their health status, assist them in accessing resources, and educate them on current technology. Programs like Meals on Wheels supply meals for homebound seniors, but depend on volunteers to deliver the meals. An hour of your week could provide 30 hungry citizens with a nutritious meal.

These programs cannot function without the support of the community. It is crucial that citizens are supporting such initiatives through service. Each member contributes value and brings unity to our community and we have an obligation to support and serve one another well.

Avery Moudy is a third-year student at Abilene Christian University from Plainview. She is studying communication sciences and disorders with a minor in aging studies while pursuing an additional minor in public service through the Jack Pope Fellows program.

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Moudy: A reminder to support our elderly neighbors, loved ones