29-01-2025
Spread love this Valentine's Day: Send a senior citizen a card to combat loneliness
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – A day for love, typically spent with loved ones, can be a bright occasion. However, for some seniors, it can feel lonely and isolating.
This Valentine's Day, the Lowcountry has the opportunity to brighten the day of a senior citizen by sending a decorative card.
'One and three seniors are lonely, they don't have somebody checking on them and seeing them every day. A lot of their time is spent watching television – it is lonely,' said local Senior Helpers owner Amy Peterson-Smith.
Senior Helpers is partnering with Meals on Wheels and East Cooper Medical Center for a 'Dear Senior' Valentine's Day Card Drive.
The steps are simple to send a card. Once the card is decorated with a nice message, residents are encouraged to drop it off at a local Senior Helpers facility. The deadline to send a card is February 7th.
Peterson-Smith added that loneliness can also lead to other illnesses and diseases.
According to the U.S. Surgeon General, the lack of connection also has physical health consequences, including an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and dementia. The lack of social connection increases the risk of premature death by more than 60%.
Senior Helpers' goal is to receive 1000 Valentine's Day cards from members of the community!
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