The Orphaned Elderly
By Cheryl A. Rainey, Contributing Writer
Last year, when I saw theAARParticle titled “The Orphaned Elderly,” I went, “huh?” Orphaned elderly? What are you talking about? I learned that some elderly are orphaned because they have no living relative. Others are divorced or have outlived family, including spouses and children. A significant number of baby boomers never married or had children. Some elderly are only orphaned by distance. Concerned loved ones are committed but live out of town or have demands or limitations of their own. Whatever the circumstances that led them to become “orphans,” a number of elderly find themselves in need of support and assistance with everyday tasks.
Some like 83-year-old Marie need assistance with grocery shopping. Her health and age also make driving challenging. At 87, Robert could use a second set of ears at the doctor. Shirley, 67, needed temporary help while recovering from back surgery. Dealing with new technologies at this stage of life is difficult for many. There are also those who are lonely and just want someone to talk to, eat a meal with, or go to a movie.
This is not a sad story because there are solutions that will not only assist and be a blessing to the orphaned elderly but also provide business and income opportunities for individuals and churches. Retired educators, government workers, and former corporate employees are among the orphaned elderly. They have paid for homes and generous pensions and investments. They are willing and able to pay a reliable person to drive Miss Daisy. Many in this group don’t qualify for assistance through the Department of Aging, so they must turn to the private sector. There are individuals doing this on a personal or one-on-one level already. Let’s make this a business.
Another critical area for this group of seniors is housing. Many have beautiful homes and condos but can’t live alone any longer. The thought of giving up space and their treasured possessions makes them hold on longer than practical or safe. At the same time, we have homeless individuals and families. I’m not talking about those living on the street but those sleeping on someone’s couch or living in the basement. Students, mid-life empty nesters, and single mothers are among the homeless. Arrangements can run the gamut of true roommates sharing expenses for room and board in exchange for services. Our churches and businesses can facilitate such arrangements and relationships. Homes and apartment buildings can be turned into assisted living facilities, providing an intimate, home-like environment.
I’m personally seeing too many friends and associates in their eighties 80s and 90s struggling to survive in this current age. Concerned folks do what we can but they need more. Let’s create non-profit and for-profit organizations that provide jobs for those being “teched-out” of their current jobs. Let’s care for those who loved and taught us. They are the trailblazers who paved the way. Let’s also make some money.
Cheryl A. Rainey is a Chicago-based entrepreneur, writer, speaker, and presenter. She attends St. Stephen AME Church. She can be followed on Facebook at Cheryl A. Rainey.
