What You Can Do teamed up with volunteermatch.org for this video on how to help the elderly get involved in their community. It only takes a minute to find worthwhile volunteering projects to keep seniors active and socially engaged.
Showing posts with label Elderly. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Elderly. Show all posts
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
Day 6 of the 46 Day Challenge: Let someone know you care
As part of my continued 46-day What You Can Do experiment, I decided to draft a letter to a friend.
When we were deciding on our topics for last year, we knew that we wanted to address issues concerning the elderly. We felt that they are an often overlooked group, and we wanted to highlight ways to help them, as well as cater ideas for them to help others.
This year, a good friend of my family had to enter an assisted living facility. It's never easy to see someone you love age and become frail, but it's important to let them know that they are in your thoughts. So for my one-minute action today, I'm going to write my friend Madelyn a letter to let her know how much she is loved.
If you have a minute, you might want to consider sending a letter to a loved one.
Let me know - thanks, Alicia
When we were deciding on our topics for last year, we knew that we wanted to address issues concerning the elderly. We felt that they are an often overlooked group, and we wanted to highlight ways to help them, as well as cater ideas for them to help others. This year, a good friend of my family had to enter an assisted living facility. It's never easy to see someone you love age and become frail, but it's important to let them know that they are in your thoughts. So for my one-minute action today, I'm going to write my friend Madelyn a letter to let her know how much she is loved.
If you have a minute, you might want to consider sending a letter to a loved one.
Let me know - thanks, Alicia
Saturday, February 6, 2010
A conversation with DOROT's - Mark L. Meridy
DOROT’s mission is to enhance the lives of Jewish and other elderly in the greater New York metropolitan area and to provide education, guidance, and leadership in developing volunteer-based programs for the elderly, nationally and internationally. They’ve been a great friend to What You Can Do, so what better way than to hear from DOROT’s Executive Director Mark L. Meridy.
• What in your opinion is the biggest misconception people have about the aging community?
I think many Americans foster the notion that retirement means detachment from society. The fact is, more seniors are volunteering and participating in community-building programs than ever before, particularly in areas of service to young people, the community, and frail homebound elderly.
Seniors are also taking an avid interest in technology, as evidenced in a recent study by the Pew Research Center. According to a recent article in the New York Times, the study found that some of the highest growth rates in broadband use are happening among the elderly; since 2005, broadband use among those 65 and older has tripled.
Finally, many seniors have experienced steep drops in the values of their retirement funds, resulting in their need to return or remain in the workforce. Because of the wisdom and experience they bring to their job and the social connectivity they enjoy with their colleagues, older workers have a tremendous amount to offer to the workplace.
• What is the most common need among seniors living alone?
For seniors who live alone, social isolation is a serious concern. Friendly visiting programs, teleconference educational programs, and community social opportunities such as those offered by DOROT are very important for seniors who are at risk of becoming socially isolated or disconnected from the world around them. For those with failing health, access to home healthcare, meal delivery, and transportation are important keys to successfully aging in place.
• Why should more people get involved with programs serving seniors?
I have always found it fascinating and extremely rewarding to learn about the experiences of older people. Many volunteers who engage the elderly form meaningful friendships, provide companionship, and create a link between the generations that, I think, is critical to the fabric of society.
• Explain a bit about the replication kit for your friendly visiting program.
DOROT created the Friendly Visiting replication kit in 2007 through a grant from The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation as a means of helping community and faith-based organizations develop their own friendly visiting programs. The kit provides detailed instructions on organizing such an effort and includes training manuals for those who wishes to become friendly visitors. DOROT makes the kit available at a nominal cost and provides technical assistance through its Merrin Institute. Interested parties can contact DOROT at (212) 769-2850 or www.dorotusa.org.
• What in your opinion is the biggest misconception people have about the aging community?
I think many Americans foster the notion that retirement means detachment from society. The fact is, more seniors are volunteering and participating in community-building programs than ever before, particularly in areas of service to young people, the community, and frail homebound elderly.
Seniors are also taking an avid interest in technology, as evidenced in a recent study by the Pew Research Center. According to a recent article in the New York Times, the study found that some of the highest growth rates in broadband use are happening among the elderly; since 2005, broadband use among those 65 and older has tripled.
Finally, many seniors have experienced steep drops in the values of their retirement funds, resulting in their need to return or remain in the workforce. Because of the wisdom and experience they bring to their job and the social connectivity they enjoy with their colleagues, older workers have a tremendous amount to offer to the workplace.
• What is the most common need among seniors living alone?
For seniors who live alone, social isolation is a serious concern. Friendly visiting programs, teleconference educational programs, and community social opportunities such as those offered by DOROT are very important for seniors who are at risk of becoming socially isolated or disconnected from the world around them. For those with failing health, access to home healthcare, meal delivery, and transportation are important keys to successfully aging in place.
• Why should more people get involved with programs serving seniors?
I have always found it fascinating and extremely rewarding to learn about the experiences of older people. Many volunteers who engage the elderly form meaningful friendships, provide companionship, and create a link between the generations that, I think, is critical to the fabric of society.
• Explain a bit about the replication kit for your friendly visiting program.
DOROT created the Friendly Visiting replication kit in 2007 through a grant from The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation as a means of helping community and faith-based organizations develop their own friendly visiting programs. The kit provides detailed instructions on organizing such an effort and includes training manuals for those who wishes to become friendly visitors. DOROT makes the kit available at a nominal cost and provides technical assistance through its Merrin Institute. Interested parties can contact DOROT at (212) 769-2850 or www.dorotusa.org.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Help Maintain Nutrition for the Elderly
Think there's nothing you can do to help improve nutrition for the elderly in 1 minute?
Starring: Alicia Arinella & Jack Halaby
Written by: Karen T. Hartline
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Statistical Information provied by: US Dept. of Health and Human Services
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Special Thanks: Mim Gebara, Stan Rashid, Andrew J. Martin and everyone at DOROT, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
HDA2EN7HSWQZ
Starring: Alicia Arinella & Jack Halaby
Written by: Karen T. Hartline
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Statistical Information provied by: US Dept. of Health and Human Services
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Special Thanks: Mim Gebara, Stan Rashid, Andrew J. Martin and everyone at DOROT, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
HDA2EN7HSWQZ
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Help the Elderly keep an Active Mind
Think there's nothing you can do to help the Elderly keep an Active Mind in 1 minute?
Starring: Alex Marshall-Brown
Written by: Karen T. Hartline
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Statistical Information provied by: DOROT, www.dorotusa.org
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Special Thanks: Mim Gebara, Stan Rashid, Andrew J. Martin and everyone at DOROT, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Starring: Alex Marshall-Brown
Written by: Karen T. Hartline
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Statistical Information provied by: DOROT, www.dorotusa.org
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Special Thanks: Mim Gebara, Stan Rashid, Andrew J. Martin and everyone at DOROT, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Learn how to help fight Fraud against the Elderly in 1 Minute.
Think there's nothing you can do to support the Elderly in 1 Minute?
Starring: Fernando Alicea
Written by: Karen T. Hartline
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Statistical Information provied by: The FBI's website, www.fbi.gov
To subscribe to the do not call list, please visit - www.donotcall.gov
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Special Thanks: Mim Gebara, Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Starring: Fernando Alicea
Written by: Karen T. Hartline
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Statistical Information provied by: The FBI's website, www.fbi.gov
To subscribe to the do not call list, please visit - www.donotcall.gov
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Special Thanks: Mim Gebara, Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Elderly Volunteering
Think there's nothing you can do to support the Elderly in 1 minute?
Starring: Noah Diamond
Written by: Karen T. Hartline
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Statistical Information provied by: Volunteer Match, www.volunteermatch,org
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Special Thanks: Mim Gebara, Barbara Micari, Mary Micari, Victoria Pacchiana and everyone at Volunteer Match, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Starring: Noah Diamond
Written by: Karen T. Hartline
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Statistical Information provied by: Volunteer Match, www.volunteermatch,org
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Special Thanks: Mim Gebara, Barbara Micari, Mary Micari, Victoria Pacchiana and everyone at Volunteer Match, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Monday, February 1, 2010
Learn how to support the Homebound Elderly in 1 minute.
Think there's nothing you can do to help the Homebound Elderly in 1 minute?
Starring: Brian Patacca
Written by: Karen T. Hartline
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Statistical Information provied by: DOROT, www.dorotusa.org
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Special Thanks: Barbara Micari, Mary Micari, Andrew J. Martin and everyone at DOROT, www.dorotusa.org, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Starring: Brian Patacca
Written by: Karen T. Hartline
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Statistical Information provied by: DOROT, www.dorotusa.org
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Special Thanks: Barbara Micari, Mary Micari, Andrew J. Martin and everyone at DOROT, www.dorotusa.org, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Opening Support the Elderly week - a guest blog
To kick off our Support the Elderly week, we wanted to feature a blog written by the writer of the week. Karen T. Hartline wrote all five episodes this week, so we wanted to hear from her.
When I think of the word “elderly,” I think of my grandma. Frieda. She was definitely your old-school kind of grandma. She had gray hair as far back as I can remember, everything she cooked tasted delicious and the only workout she ever did was washing and scrubbing. She was an awesome, outspoken lady packed in a tiny body and you couldn’t help but love her.
This got me thinking about my son, and how he views his grandmother - my mom. My mother takes step class, attends seminars at the Historical Society, teaches night school, and walks faster than me when we’re at the supermarket. Text messaging, Skype, email – check, check, check. While she can tell a mean story about the old days, most of the time, she’s way too busy making plans for what she’s going to do next. In my son’s eyes – she can do no wrong.
It’s funny that my mother is about the same age that my grandmother was when I was my son’s age, yet the two images are so different. Together, these two images are indicative of the vast spectrum of needs of America’s aging population. There are those out there like my grandmother, but perhaps have no one to visit. Then there are those who are more like my mother, but don’t know where or how to apply their energy and talents.
I think the challenge for those who wish to reach out to this community, is to recognize the diverse needs of this population. The more important thing is to decide what your own strengths are, and then figure out who can benefit from them. If your “thing” is getting people together to volunteer for a community project, there are people like my mother – my son’s grandmother - who would love nothing more than to be put to work. But if you love nothing more than having a good conversation, I know from experience with my own grandmother, that you have the ability to make someone’s day.
When I think of the word “elderly,” I think of my grandma. Frieda. She was definitely your old-school kind of grandma. She had gray hair as far back as I can remember, everything she cooked tasted delicious and the only workout she ever did was washing and scrubbing. She was an awesome, outspoken lady packed in a tiny body and you couldn’t help but love her.
This got me thinking about my son, and how he views his grandmother - my mom. My mother takes step class, attends seminars at the Historical Society, teaches night school, and walks faster than me when we’re at the supermarket. Text messaging, Skype, email – check, check, check. While she can tell a mean story about the old days, most of the time, she’s way too busy making plans for what she’s going to do next. In my son’s eyes – she can do no wrong.
It’s funny that my mother is about the same age that my grandmother was when I was my son’s age, yet the two images are so different. Together, these two images are indicative of the vast spectrum of needs of America’s aging population. There are those out there like my grandmother, but perhaps have no one to visit. Then there are those who are more like my mother, but don’t know where or how to apply their energy and talents.
I think the challenge for those who wish to reach out to this community, is to recognize the diverse needs of this population. The more important thing is to decide what your own strengths are, and then figure out who can benefit from them. If your “thing” is getting people together to volunteer for a community project, there are people like my mother – my son’s grandmother - who would love nothing more than to be put to work. But if you love nothing more than having a good conversation, I know from experience with my own grandmother, that you have the ability to make someone’s day.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Think there's nothing you can do to support the Homebound Elderly in one minute?
Think there's nothing you can do to help the Homebound Elderly in 1 Minute? Watch this.
Starring: Brian Patacca
Written by: Karen T. Hartline
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Consulting Producer: Mary Micari
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistical information provided by: DOROT
Special Thanks:
Barbara Micari, Mary Micari, Andrew J. Martin and everyone at DOROT, www.dorotusa.org
Dennis Arinella and everyone at WLIW
Starring: Brian Patacca
Written by: Karen T. Hartline
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Consulting Producer: Mary Micari
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistical information provided by: DOROT
Special Thanks:
Barbara Micari, Mary Micari, Andrew J. Martin and everyone at DOROT, www.dorotusa.org
Dennis Arinella and everyone at WLIW
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