"Chatham Better Together"
The Department of Community Services has received a grant from the Massachusetts Council on Aging (MCOA) for a one-year pilot program that brings older adults living alone together to reduce isolation, build meaningful friendships, and provide a sense of community.
The program, “Chatham Better Together,” which began in August, meets once per month for 12 months for three hours at the Center for Active Living. These sessions will feature meals from local restaurants and markets, and include a mixture of enrichment activities, educational and service talks, field trips and time with Town officials. Most importantly, it will bring people together who may otherwise spend too much time alone.
“Loneliness is an epidemic,” says Leah LaCross, Director of Community Services. “We have a responsibility to do what we can to help combat it and provide opportunities for interconnectivity to our older residents.” Director LaCross will co-facilitate each session with CCAL Outreach Coordinator Jessica Rogers.
According to a recent study by the National Council on Aging (NCOA), Evidence reveals that social isolation and loneliness hinder good health—putting older adults at risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, and even death. Notably, findings showed that loneliness can increase risk of mortality by 50%—higher than the effects of air pollution, obesity, and excessive alcohol use.
When writing the grant for this program, LaCross and Rogers were hoping to have 12-15 participants commit to the program. At this time, there are 33.
At the program orientation, the dining room at the CCAL was completely full, although some were wary about joining. After a few “icebreaker” exercises where attendees had the opportunity to meet and learn about each other, every person in attendance decided to commit to the program.
“This group bonded almost instantly,” LaCross said. “Some discovered that they had been neighbors for years and had never met. Others wanted to get together to form a band and a chorus! It was both remarkable and heartwarming,” she added.
“There is clearly a need in Chatham,” LaCross continued. “No one wants to live out their older years in isolation.” Proving this point was the comment from one member who attended the orientation. This person had lost their spouse two years ago. “I have to admit to you. I have been so lonely,” the person said. “You have yourself a winning program here. Thank you for this,” they added.
If you are an adult over 60 living in Town, reach out to the CCAL (508-945-5190) to learn more about the programs and services they offer.
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