The Dec. 29 editorial “How to make life less isolating for Maine seniors” provides an accurate portrayal of isolation and its impact on the health and well-being of Maine’s older adults. Community housing is one approach to combat the issue, volunteering is another.
Mainers have three volunteer opportunities operating under the umbrella Senior Corps, exclusively for adults 55 and over, and two provide a nontaxable stipend for those living below 200 percent of poverty. In 2015 more than 1,400 volunteers provided 403,000 hours of service tutoring children through the Foster Grandparent Program, supporting the independence of older adults through the Senior Companion Program and a broad range of community activities through RSVP.
RSVP and Senior Companions, in addition to providing an opportunity to give back, combat isolation by providing companionship, Meals on Wheels, transportation, respite and phone reassurance programs.
To find out how to volunteer, or receive services provided by Maine’s Senior Corps programs, call the statewide information hotline 211, visit www.volunteermaine.org or call the 1-877-ELDERS1.
Susan Lavigne
director
The Opportunity Alliance Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion programs
Portland
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