Social Commitments: How Students Help Seniors

The last couple of years, even though they were marked by a tremendous technological evolution, were described by loneliness too. And this is more pregnant especially nowadays, in the era of Covid. Elders are known to experience high levels of loneliness as they grow old. Their friends might move away, their spouses might die, and the pandemic might prevent them from seeing their dearest ones. At the same time, students are preoccupied with their academic progress.

Youngsters want to have fun and learn a lot of new things. But they might need a mentor too. They might need someone to go to when they need a second opinion. This is one of the reasons social commitments got born. To help both generations that are currently separated and their interaction is minimum. Students can care for elders and support them in adapting to the new conditions of life.

Helping seniors can provide students with the guidance they need. And both groups can benefit from forming this relationship.

Helping seniors is a social issue

Every country has its seniors. Even though the culture is different, the fact that seniors are experiencing high levels of loneliness is valid everywhere. Moreover, a high percentage of seniors have an illness that prevents them from doing the most common chores, such as buying groceries. Thus, helping seniors becomes a social issue, and organizations around the world adopt this goal.

They create programs that aim to raise funds or gather volunteers for helping seniors. This might be one of the topics students might need to look more into. Many professors ask students to write an essay on a social issue. You can find many samples online to get inspiration. Here are some social issues essay examples in the USA that will shed more light on this topic. And they will surely help you craft a compelling essay.

Students Are Tech-Savvy

One of the things that students can help seniors with is by teaching them how to use technology. Even though the great majority of people are already familiar with having a social media account, a big part of seniors might not be. Some of them are reluctant to use new gadgets, but the fact that they can see their family members or friends on video calls might convince them.

Youngsters and students are well accustomed to using technology. They can be the tech-savvy help seniors need. Students can teach seniors to use a smartphone or a laptop, send messages or call someone. They can also set up their social media accounts and help them connect with their friends.

This way, they will be more connected with the ones they do not see as much during these days. Moreover, spending time with someone alleviates their feelings of loneliness.

Seniors Are Experienced

On the other hand, seniors have quite a lot of experience. They have gone through a lot of events that shaped them during their lifetime. They have seen the changes in society and are a great source of information. Listening to them telling you how their family has experienced war or trauma can turn out to be inspiring.

Seniors have so much to give, but the governments and society do not know how to value them. In a social commitment where a student helps them, this is what they come with. Experience, advice, mentorship, guidance, support. Things many youngsters need, so connecting with seniors has a lot of benefits.

The support or guidance they offer can be on complex issues, such as trading. But it can be on something else entirely, such as cooking. They can teach students to make pasta from scratch for example. Or share those traditional recipes and their secrets.

Final Thoughts

The idea of social commitment is beginning to be adopted around the world. The covid pandemic made things more obvious: seniors are experiencing high levels of loneliness. This while students feel disconnected from their lives and friends. Making these two generations come together and collaborate in a fruitful relationship comes with benefits for both parties.

Students can learn more from seniors, whether it is cooking skills, trading, music, and so on. On the other hand, seniors can get more accustomed to using technology and gadgets, but also get help on doing the groceries. It is said loneliness is the main disease seniors are experiencing so a social commitment would help them live happier years.

Bio lines: Jeremy Raynolds is a blogger and content writer. He usually writes on topics related to psychology. Jeremy is volunteering in a social commitment program and caring for a few seniors.