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VOL.35, NO.6
Foster a mutual sense of worth PHOTO BY AMERICORPS SENIORS
By Margaret Foster Whether we remember the taste of Grandma’s pies or the smell of Grandpa’s cigars, most of us recall our parents’ parents with fondness. After all, they seemed to love us unconditionally — and even spoiled us a little. Some older adults in our area are stepping up to act as grandparents to children in need. And so far, they’re finding that the time they spend with children as “foster grandparents” gives them a new energy and sense of worth. “We have something to give to young people. We have skills, experience and knowledge we can pass on,” said Charles Turner, who has been participating in a program called DC Grandparents for Mental Health since last fall. “It was my chance to give back,” he said. Through the DC Grandparents for Mental Health program, the Washington-based global nonprofit HelpAge USA pairs adults 60 and older with children who can benefit from intergenerational conversations with trusted older people. Through regular conversations in a church or school, the “grandparents” provide emotional support or simply a listening ear. “Once you show them that you care about what’s happening with them, then you can maybe have some kind of positive impact,” Turner said. Both age groups seem to benefit from talking with each other. “Through this program, older people can give younger people a sense of connection, but they can also gain a sense of purpose,” said Cindy Cox-Roman, CEO of HelpAge USA. “Older people have the highest rates of isolation, but younger people are twice as
JUNE 2023
I N S I D E …
LEISURE & TRAVEL
Time-travel to Maine to visit quaint drive-ins and candy shops from yesteryear; plus, cruise down the Mississippi River in style page 33
A foster grandmother shares a smile with a child in AmeriCorps Seniors’ Foster Grandparents program. Foster grandparents who help children in schools or juvenile detention centers say the volunteer work gives them a sense of purpose, and helps both elder and child forge meaningful connections. Opportunities are available throughout the DMV.
likely to feel lonely…No one should be without someone to talk to.” The need for volunteers in general has grown. According to a survey by the U.S. Census Bureau and AmeriCorps, volunteer participation dropped 7% between 2019 and 2021. The decrease, the most significant since these surveys began 21 years ago,
was likely the result of the pandemic. “This is a wake-up call for the social sector, which depends on volunteers, especially as needs for services remain high,” said Michael D. Smith, CEO of AmeriCorps. Foster grandparents can help out in just See GRANDPARENTS, page 40
ARTS & STYLE
The world premiere at Arena Stage of the dramedy Exclusion runs through June 25; plus, nonfiction by local authors, and Bob Levey on what made 1968 unique page 39
FITNESS & HEALTH k Unorthodox heart treatment k Driving with memory loss
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LIVING BOLDLY 24 k Newsletter for D.C. residents
Stylish Senior Living See a selection of floor plans to fit your budget and style. Call 1-877-575-0231 for your free brochure, or visit DMVSeniorLiving.com. 338009
ASHBY PONDS, Ashburn VA GREENSPRING, Springfield VA RIDERWOOD, Silver Spring MD
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LAW & MONEY k Banks now pay savers more k How to write a better will
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ADVERTISER DIRECTORY
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