One in five Pennsylvanians age 65 and older live alone, increasing the risk of social isolation and reduced connection to community.
Older adults report good or excellent quality of life when they feel respected, are connected to each other and have access to resources they need. Social isolation can have a negative impact on physical health and mental well-being and is associated with a lower use of healthcare and an increased risk of mortality. Strong social support and connections can boost a person’s well-being and life span by 50%, according to Scientific American.
Older adults in the Lehigh Valley have reported that they would prefer to age in place – in the place where they raised their family, managed their careers, built their life, had their home.
As we age, there is a tendency to overlook the contributions that the older members of our community have made and can still make. Older adults want to be included and engaged and we want the same for them. Our community benefits when all residents are engaged and connected. Individuals with strong social networks enjoy an increased quality of life and tend to believe that they still have a place in society. Those with a network tend to recover more quickly from emergencies or crises. Equity, access and inclusion are human rights and not to be debated because someone is older.
From Isolation to Connection
Margarita’s vibrant personality shines today after overcoming significant hurdles. She admits that her physical, mental, social and emotional well-being suffered in the past caused by social isolation.
About 20% of seniors in Pennsylvania lack companionship, and with many of her family members spread across the country, Margarita was one of them. Her doctor encouraged her to become more active, and that’s when the 68-year-old Allentown resident found Casa Guadalupe Center.
Casa Guadalupe Center in Allentown is one of five United Way Community Hubs that offers easily accessible gathering spaces with programming tailored to older adults. United Way Community Hubs offer connections to healthy food, health care and other resources that can increase quality of life. Participants delay the onset of chronic illnesses and improve their physical and mental health as well as their economic well-being.
Casa Guadalupe offers social activities for older adults including bingo, exercise classes and health resources like blood sugar monitoring, fall prevention tips and more. Together with Casa Guadalupe, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley is here for individuals like Margarita, connecting them to resources to improve their health and quality of life.
“When you’re alone, your mind goes to a bad place. Casa Guadalupe is better for my brain and body,” said Margarita.
Margarita’s favorite activities are playing dominoes, doing art projects and participating in Zumba classes because she loves to dance. She encourages everyone to seek out a place like Casa Guadalupe because when you’re socially isolated, your mental health declines.
Thanks to supporters, United Way can continue to provide vital services and programs that ensure seniors like Margarita can thrive.
“I’ve always been an active and involved person and being a part of the ‘Y’ has given me a great sense of community. I love interacting with everyone here.”
Johanna
Slate Belt Resident
Community Hubs serve as a gathering space that connects older adults to resources that can increase their quality of life.
Adult day services provide places for older adults to go for socialization and engagement in a safe and supervised environment.
Empower yourself or your loved ones with free tools and resources to stay connected to our community in a meaningful way.
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