seniors aged 60 and above constitute approximately a quarter of the Philly-region's population. Learn how to become an 'aging services' volunteer

In the Philadelphia region, a significant portion of the population is aged 60 and older, with approximately 25% of residents falling into this category according to U.S. Census data. This demographic shift has led to an increased need for volunteers to support older adults in various ways.

One of the most pressing volunteer needs is in home-delivery meal services. Senior Community Services, based in Folsom, is the largest provider of senior services in Delaware County and operates four senior centers in the region. They are currently in dire need of volunteers to assist with meal delivery, connecting residents to benefits and social services, and navigating the impact of Crozer Health-related closures. Similarly, Meals on Wheels of Chester County provides hot lunches five days a week to residents unable to leave their homes, covering about 85% of the county's population. Volunteers are needed to deliver meals on weekdays between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Bucks County Opportunity Council offers another opportunity for volunteers to sort, pack, and deliver food to seniors unable to leave their homes. Bucks County has the highest percentage of older adults among Philadelphia's collar counties, at 29%.

Non-governmental or city-run organizations dedicated specifically to older adults in Philadelphia include groups like the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging and local senior centers. Volunteers can help directly through these organizations' websites or by contacting them to learn about current volunteer opportunities.

Penn's Village, a "neighbor-to-neighbor organization," helps older adults age in place in Philadelphia by providing rides to health appointments, pharmacies, and groceries, offering companionship, performing minor home repairs, providing tech assistance, offering pet care, running errands, and more.

Volunteers for Area Agencies on Aging in Pennsylvania can support services such as counseling related to Medicare, fielding and researching long-term care complaints, becoming a senior companion, and preparing or delivering meals.

Lutheran Settlement House in Fishtown offers fitness and dance classes, health coaching, creative arts, and other programming for adults 55 and older. Volunteers help with food pantries, activities, and donation drives. Interested individuals can fill out an interest form online to volunteer at Lutheran Settlement House.

ElderNet helps support older adults with low or moderate income and adults with disabilities in Lower Merion Township and Narbeth, Montgomery County. Volunteers offer help with driving to medical appointments, pharmacies, grocery shopping, home organizing, companionship, and small home repairs.

The Center for Advocacy for the Rights and Interest of the Elderly (CARIE) provides direct assistance to older adults and their caregivers and offers various volunteer opportunities. Interested volunteers can assist with accompanying crime victims to court, assessing long-term care resident complaints, educating older adults about Medicare, offering administrative assistance, assisting with special event planning, and providing professional support.

Bucks County Positively Aging volunteers offer help in areas such as insurance counseling, health and wellness programs, nutrition services, and delivering meals to older adults unable to leave their homes. Those interested may submit an application online.

For those who prefer to donate handmade items, Meals on Wheels of Chester County accepts donations of handmade items like cards, ornaments, and snack bags to be delivered to clients alongside their meals. Interested individuals can also sign up online to volunteer at Meals on Wheels of Chester County.

Jamee Nowell Smith, community services director of Senior Community Services, stated that most organizations catering to older adults thrive on volunteers. Those interested may fill out an RSVP volunteer enrollment form online or submit a Surrey Services volunteer interest form online to become a volunteer.

In conclusion, there are numerous opportunities for individuals to make a difference in the lives of older adults in the Philadelphia region. Whether it's through home-delivery meal services, transportation, companionship, or direct assistance, every volunteer contributes significantly to the well-being of older adults in the community.

seniors aged 60 and above constitute approximately a quarter of the Philly-region's population. Learn how to become an 'aging services' volunteer