Christmas for Older Adults, a Call to Compassion

In the U.S., around 20% of homeless people are 55 or older. These older adults face not only material hardship but also deep emotional loneliness during the holidays. How to help:

• You can offer your time, promote, or contribute financially to food banks, homeless shelters, or programs that serve older adults.
• Donate “care kits” with blankets, socks, gloves, hygiene items, non-perishable snacks, and encouraging notes.
• Giving gift cards for supermarkets, pharmacies, or restaurants allows homeless older adults to buy what they really need.
• There are programs where you can “adopt” an older adult who might be alone during the holidays and give them a meaningful gift.
• Emotional support: sometimes a simple conversation, bringing holiday cards, or singing carols with older adults can make a big difference.