Here’s a quick, one-question Pop Quiz for you: In the U.S., which state is the “oldest” in terms of the median age of its citizens? If you guessed “Maine,” give yourself an A+. Because the median age of folks in Maine is 45.1 years, and more than 1 in 5 of us is 65 or older. But these aren’t just statistics. They represent an incredible opportunity for Freemasons to engage in the kind of service to seniors that can make a huge, uplifting difference in an older person’s life.
Here are a few simple yet extremely helpful ways that Freemasons can provide service to seniors:
Check-in Regularly / Help Battle Loneliness
If you don’t already know the person or persons, take a few minutes to introduce yourself and ask if there are any ways you might occasionally help them. Ask if they would like to give you their contact information so they can quickly get in touch with you if a need arises. A national poll recently reported that 37 percent of older adults in the U.S. (aged 50-80 years) commonly experience loneliness, and 34 percent reported feeling socially isolated. Simply calling your older neighbor on a regular basis can make a big difference in helping them feel less lonely and isolated.
Run Errands & Offer Rides
Before you leave to go to the supermarket or run other errands, call your older neighbor and ask if they might need, for example, food items from the market. Also regularly ask them if they need you to provide rides to doctor or dentist appointments or to other local destinations. Many older people like to minimize driving, especially in the winter, so offering rides to them will be extremely helpful and appreciated.
Senior Support During the Winter
As folks grow older, the Maine winter poses more and more of a challenge to them. So think of how you can offer service to seniors in the form of snow removal. If your older neighbor’s car is parked outside, could you brush the snow off it for them? Or could you shovel, salt, and sand their driveway or walkway? These things will not only free your older neighbors from having to do these things themselves, but also make the outside areas around their house or apartment less slippery and thus much safer for them.
Other Ways to Offer Service to Seniors
If you do the things mentioned above, you’ll be going a long way toward being a good neighbor and a genuine blessing to older folks around you. Here are a few other ways you might offer assistance, as well:
- Help with Pet Care: Walk their dog or offer to feed their dog or cat if they travel;
- Home Maintenance Assistance: If you’re handy in this way, offer to help with anything from changing lightbulbs to putting in window AC units to cleaning garages or basements;
- Tech Assistance: Teach them how to use new technology such as smartphones or tablets;
- Invite Them to Events: Include them in neighborhood activities or social gatherings.
Want to Learn More About the Valley of Portland?
Additional information about the Valley of Portland can be found on the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction Scottish Rite website and on our membership page. Interested in learning more about local events? Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date and informed about upcoming events.
New brothers interested in joining the Valley of Portland can do so by completing this online application.
