Through first and second-hand research, it is apparent that Younger-older adults (meaning 65-80 of age) not only enjoy volunteering but mentally benefit from helping others. Creating a social service around younger-older adults assisting older-older adults would help close the gap of social isolation felt between both aging demographics. It would also close the gap of meeting the needs of older-older adults in their inability to drive and allow for them to age longer in their existing homes, which many desire to do.
Older-older adults who are no longer able to drive struggle significantly with going to Dr’s appointments and going to the grocery store.
When you look at how other countries and how they address issues surrounding mobility and social isolation, do so through concepts like volunteering and creating opportunities for social engagement. Some of our participants emphasized that they didn’t have family nearby nor would they know who to contact if they needed help.
Creating opportunities for communities to connect through a volunteer-based system isn’t anything new, but leaning on a group of people who are still capable and largely want to volunteer could pose as a new solution for creating a mutually beneficial relationship.
