Age is a Number to be Celebrated
We are struck by the fact that keeping active and engaged in life is valuable to health and happiness! Our volunteers show us that staying engaged as part of their communities and individuals who are supported by their service truly makes a difference to everyone. Many of our Volunteers will be turning 90 years old this year and we witness them continuing to make an impact in the communities and with their peers.
One of the ways our volunteers can do this is through the “Aging with Grace” program. AOASCC’s, Judy Neron, Program Manager for the Foster Grandparent, Senior Companion Program came up with the idea to have Volunteer Companions and their clients demonstrate their gratitude through art. Hence the “Aging with Grace” Project was created.
Eugene Turner, a retired Veteran 91 years old, can be seen in the picture working on his art project alongside his companion Dorothy, while at the Dixwell/Newhallville Sr Center. Eugene says that Dorothy Agnew is a blessing and motivates him to keep attending the senior center.
At the spry age of 87, Nancy DeStefano shares a story with her volunteer peers about her work and volunteering escapades at the volunteer social on August 28th at IKEA. Nancy continues to volunteer her time with a 99-year-old woman who is still managing to live as independently as possible. Phone calls, home visits, and sometimes a ride to the old neighborhood or out to lunch allow these two women to share an extraordinary relationship of keeping track of each other.
There are many stories like this where age has no value, it is more about the connection between activity and the impact on oneself or another. No physical exertion is required, only your time.