If you’ve been following our blog for any length of time, you know just how important #GivingTuesday is to us. We’ve participated every year since we launched our business in 2012.
This year, the event will take place on Tuesday, November 29th. (It’s always right after Black Friday and Cyber Monday.)
Who are we supporting on #GivingTuesday this year?
For me, the choice is personal.
Older, Sick and Insecure about Nutrition
My beloved dad was diagnosed with bone cancer this month. Out of the blue. He went from someone who moved at the speed of light and accomplished more in a day than people half his age to someone who is sick. Very sick.
In a meeting with the nurse who was doing his intake at the oncologist’s office, she asked him a question that caught us off guard: “In the past year, have you been hungry or worried you wouldn’t have enough food?”
While we know good nutrition is important for all of us, it plays an especially vital role successful aging and in battling disease.
The nurse went on to tell our family that we would be surprised at the number of older adults who answer YES to that question. And the hospital is located near my parents’ home in an area where people live fairly comfortable lives.
How are people in lower income areas of our communities answering that question?
People shouldn’t be sick and hungry in this great country. Battling a serious illness is just that… a battle. You shouldn’t have to worry about where your next meal is coming from.
In 2014, 9% of seniors suffered food insecurity. As baby boomers continue to grow older, experts say that number could climb to as high as 50%.
I can’t help but think that after the results of the recent election, our fragile elders are likely to suffer the most for our electoral choices.
So on #GivingTuesday 2016, we’re giving our financial and social support to:
I hope that you will join us!
Get Involved in #GivingTuesday 2016
It’s not too late to get your senior living community involved! Head on over to the #GivingTuesday website for ideas you and the teams at your senior living communities can use.
Shelley