Friendly Visitors Program

The older the fiddle, the sweeter the tune!
Old Irish Proverb

Riddle: What is something none of us want to do, but the alternative is deadly?
Answer: Aging 

This year many of my friends (and me) turned 70 and we keep looking at each other saying, “How did this happen?” I’m sure that many of you are reading this and saying, “Ah, she’s just a kid,” but didn’t it seem like just yesterday that you turned 40, 50, 60, or even 70? We are all aging. Whatever your age, it is comforting to know that you are not alone. Or are you?

September is Healthy Aging Month and an ideal time to consider your current lifestyle or that of your friends and family members and ask yourself, “Are we doing the best we can?” Now in its second decade, Healthy Aging Month is a valuable resource for inspiration and practical ideas for adults over 65 to improve their physical, mental, social, and financial well-being. It is never too late to take control of your health and start something new. (Healthyaging.net)       

Simsbury United Methodist Church thrives in part due to all the significant ways in which our mature, distinguished, experienced, wise, venerable, seasoned, and vintage members make a difference. Consider for a moment our Adult Spiritual Growth classes, Days for Girls, Covenant to Care, Prayers and Squares, Prayer Shawl Knitters, Susanna Circle, and so many other successful programs which are made possible by the participation and volunteerism of these “venerable” folks.

Unfortunately, there are some members of SUM who despite their many years of dedication are no longer able to participate in these programs. Some have health issues; some can no longer drive or leave their home without assistance, and some feel safer staying at home. That is where the Friendly Visitors Program comes in.

The SUM Friendly Visitors Program is led by Pastor Gene and Deacon Deb and is comprised of volunteers who are paired with those members, single or couples, who are now less active. The volunteer spends a minimum of one hour per month with the recipient, offering companionship and support. The level of involvement is up to the volunteer and the recipient. Some volunteers simply visit them at their homes, some go out to lunch and others may visit a museum or other social activity.

The focus of Healthy Aging Month is on ‘not acting your age,’ being positive, and being more active which are all wonderful goals, but realistically, not everyone can start jogging tomorrow. In a study led by the Center for Healthy Aging at Penn State, they found the lack of positive social interactions in daily life could be a critical risk factor for declining cognitive function later in life. According to the study, “Older adults who are relatively more deprived in certain social interaction experiences could potentially benefit the most from interventions that help to ‘boost’ their usual levels of social interactions in daily life.”

And this is the secret behind the Friendly Visitors Program. The volunteers are church members willing to share their time to socialize with someone with limited access to others. The volunteers meet with Pastor Gene and Deacon Deb once a month to share their reflections on their visits and request additional support if needed. Yes, we are all aging and one day you could be that person needing a friend. Why not volunteer today? Contact Pastor Gene or Deacon Deb to join the volunteers, ask questions, or suggest someone that you think may benefit from this program.

-        Eileen M Brogan