Many families today are separated by distance, and because of this, children and adults are in need. Children are functioning in this busy world with less adult counseling than in the past, and seniors are more often alone than they used to be. That is why a mentoring program is so valuable for both groups. With good mental health, senior citizens tend to live longer, and volunteer work, such as mentoring, supports the positive feeling of having a purpose in life. This can boost a person’s self-esteem during a time when he or she may be wondering what will come next. With a multigenerational mentoring program, the participants stay involved in their community in a meaningful way.
P.S. Senior Corps, a network of national service programs for Americans 55 years and older, has a Fostering Grandparent Program and can be contacted for information on mentoring in your community.
