The COVID-19 pandemic created shutdowns, stay-at-home orders and event hiatuses. Though few of us were unaffected by the impacts, it seems some demographics may have experienced higher levels of loneliness due to social isolation than others.28% of seniors live alone, more than 14.7 million peopleLoneliness and social isolation increase the risk of dementia by 50%. Other health risks related to loneliness include:Stroke: Risk increases by 32%Heart disease: Risk increases by 29%Mental health disorders: Risk increases by 26%Premature mortality: Risk increases by 26% The health effects of loneliness are equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day! 25% of Seniors felt lonely before covid19 and now surveys say 56% feel lonely. Statistics also so a small, thoughtful present given with a point of connection changes that feeling by as much as 66%! (Consumer Affair, 2021) | That is what the PAL, pro-abundant life, program intends to do with your help. Together, we can bless an isolated senior citizen with a gift that says you are valued and we care about you while also connecting them to a local church. This month, would you add a small gift for one of these area seniors to your shopping list and drop it off so we can be a PAL to one of these three people? Ruth age 79 ( likes mystery e-books and movies, purple is favorite color for blanket, etc.) Michael age 75 (wants a bathrobe and popcorn) Crystal age 80 (wants slippers and mystery books\movies) . Click the link for more details. https://www.fflnwo.org/pro-abundant-life-pal-pack.html |