Q. I recently saw on social media that Good Neighbor Day is coming up and it’s had me thinking of an older woman on my street who lives alone. We’ve both lived here for years, and I know she is still living in her home, but I hardly ever see her. Would it be strange for me to knock on her door? How should I reach out to let her know I am thinking of her?
A. A check-in with an older adult in your neighborhood is the perfect way to observe Good Neighbor Day! This initiative was started last year by the Massachusetts Coalition to Build Community and End Loneliness. This year, September 26-28 have been designated as days when all residents are encouraged to reach out to their neighbors, extend acts of kindness and goodwill, and foster strong bonds within our communities.
Several events are planned across the commonwealth, but as we make our plans, it’s important not to forget those older adults who may be isolated in their homes. There are a few ways you can reach out and make a connection:
Write a friendly note – Drop a note in her mailbox to let her know that you have been thinking about her. Include your phone number, so she can call if she wants to chat.
Share a treat – Stop by with a plate of cookies, a small meal, or vegetables from your garden.
Make a homemade gift – If you have children, have them make some art for your neighbor and leave it in her mailbox with your contact information.
If you’d like to go further, you could invite her to a neighborhood block party, host a small dinner, or explore intergenerational gathering ideas from groups like Generations Over Dinner (generationsoverdinner.com) or Longer Table (longertables.org).
Of course, there may be reasons she doesn’t get out much, such as health issues. If you feel she may need extra support, encourage her or her family to connect with AgeSpan. We offer a range of programs to support older adults living at home, such as Meals on Wheels, Home Care services, and more.
However you choose to reach out, you’ll be giving your neighbor the gift of connection. Knocking on her door could be the start of a lasting friendship – and that’s what Good Neighbor Day is all about.
Are you caring for an older adult or need help finding healthy aging resources? Our experienced staff is available to help. Visit us online at www.agespan.org. You can also call 800-892-0890 or email info@agespan.org.
Joan Hatem-Roy is the chief executive officer of AgeSpan, which serves the following cities and towns: Amesbury, Andover, Billerica, Boxford, Chelmsford, Danvers, Dracut, Dunstable, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell, Marblehead, Merrimac, Methuen, Middleton, Newbury, Newburyport, North Andover, Peabody, Rowley, Salisbury, Salem, Tewksbury, Tyngsboro, Westford, and West Newbury.
First published in the Eagle-Tribune.
