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Kelee King and Shaune Berthelot, director of marketing and program manager for Home Instead, delivers letters to local Kissimmee senior center. PHOTO/HOME INSTEAD
The pen is mightier than the power of the ‘send’ button, especially to the elderly in a digital world that offers many ways to connect with other.
That is what Home Instead recently put in to action for National Pen Pal Day.
In fact ,within the last five years, half of Americans have not received a hand written letter, according to a recent survey. Home Instead found that kind act that require little to no money tended to be the most meaningful. Most said they hadn’t received a greeting card or letter in the past two months, while 84 percent of those did find the gesture to be ‘very’ meaningful.
“Loneliness is one of the most devastating issues facing our aging population, but it is something we’re capable of addressing,” said Erin Albers, Home Instead’s Vice President of Social Purpose. “A personal letter to an older adult could change the trajectory of their day. It doesn’t need to be long, just written from the heart.”
Debra Foscolo, said she was grateful for the Osceola residents participated in the National Pen Pal Day.
“The Orlando event that served many including Osceola had an amazing turn out,” Said Foscolo. “Over 150 letters were delivered to local seniors in the Kissimmee area alone.”
Albers pointed out that, mainly, a letter can be a meaningful alternative to an in-person visit. Regular correspondence can improve relationships. A letter is something that can be treasured forever, and the arrival of a mail carrier can bring a smile to someone’s face.
With the pandemic claiming many lives and forcing some into loneliness, Home Instead offers a way to combat the loneliness and feeling of isolation.
Visit HomeInstead.com, and under the Take Action tab, learn how to become a Pen Pal, as well as filling a senior’s request to receive a letter.
