Green Valley community unites to combat senior loneliness this holiday season
LONELINESS among older adults has been recognized as a significant health epidemic, impacting both mental and physical well-being. In Green Valley, local organizations are proactively addressing this pressing issue and spreading holiday cheer through initiatives like the “Adopt-A-Senior” program.
Organized by The Villas at Green Valley, this program invites residents from Green Valley, Sahuarita, and Tucson to “adopt” a senior by fulfilling their holiday wish lists. Community members can choose one or more items from these lists, with gifts slated for delivery to seniors on Christmas morning. This initiative not only provides tangible gifts but also sends a powerful message of connection and care.
“There’s a sense of shock that somebody is thinking of them because they don’t know the individual,” remarked Tiffany Ford, Marketing and Admissions representative for The Villas at Green Valley. “It’s the thought that counts and that the resident is being thought of during the holidays.”
Research indicates that about one in four American adults aged 65 or older experience social isolation. The U.S. Surgeon General has highlighted that chronic loneliness can have health ramifications comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. This alarming statistic emphasizes the urgency to address senior loneliness and foster connections within the community.
Dr. Timothy Domer, a retired geriatrician, points out the serious nature of the loneliness epidemic. “That sensation of loneliness is a stressor,” he explained. “Stress has a cascade of events that ultimately harm your health.” He noted that loneliness and health issues often go hand in hand, creating a troubling cycle.
According to Domer, serious illnesses can lead to social isolation for various reasons, ultimately heightening emotional distress. “Lonely is a perception that this is a stressful situation and I need social interaction,” he added. He advocates for finding ways to mitigate stress, such as engaging more with others or welcoming visitors into the home.
Another local organization, Green Valley Cares, is also committed to alleviating isolation through straightforward yet impactful activities, including social visits and meet-ups at dog parks. “There’s a lot of loneliness out there,” remarked Esther Levine Brill, Board President of Green Valley Cares. “But people don’t like to admit they’re lonely.”
In addition to supporting seniors, Green Valley Cares aims to ease the burden on caregivers, who often experience burnout due to the demanding nature of care responsibilities. “It helps them give respite care to themselves,” Brill noted, highlighting the interconnected support system within the community.
The Villas established the Adopt-A-Senior program five years ago, in part due to the increasing awareness surrounding the loneliness epidemic. The organization also runs events like a spring fair and a trunk-or-treat to encourage greater engagement among seniors and the wider community.
“According to Medicare’s website, 44% of seniors experience some form of loneliness during the holidays,” Ford stated. “This could be because family doesn’t live nearby or they don’t have any more living family. So we created these programs to help combat that loneliness.”
The Adopt-A-Senior program fosters community support by encouraging younger residents to become involved. Ford mentioned that the program receives backing from local sports organizations and schools in Sahuarita. “Green Valley is primarily a retirement community,” she noted, “but we also neighbor Rancho Sahuarita, which is primarily a young family community. One of my goals is to help bridge that generational gap.”
Those interested in participating can reach out to receive a wish list to fulfill. Gifts must be dropped off at The Villas by December 23.
