One of our foundation's flagship programmes is Helping lonely, elderly people. The programme gained momentum during the quarantine period of 2020 and initially focused only on home-based social services for the frailest elderly. When we set up the programme systematically, we discovered that not all elderly people are bedridden and confined to their homes for health reasons. Many, due to their loneliness and "uselessness" had simply lost interest in life and with it their physical strength.
So the idea was born to organise a club for lonely elderly people where they could meet, develop, socialise - and live a little more interesting life.
We identified a group of 65+ members who were offered a useful leisure activity at no cost. Our 'oldies' sing, dance, learn plays and maths together. They go on excursions, visit museums and the theatre (even those with limited mobility are offered travel arrangements). Over a cup of tea at our weekly tea parties, our members share life experiences, recipes, sometimes even problems, and support each other - they become friends. Absolutely everyone notices positive changes in their well-being, activity level and mental acuity. That is why our club is very important for lonely elderly people.
And how our participants have blossomed! They come to the classes with make-up and hairstyles, as if they were younger. It is hard to recognize those desperate, lonely and weak people in the participants.
Now we have faced with the fact that many people want to take part in our club and it has become difficult for us to pay for the club's expenses.
Your support will enable us to take another 20 older people to classes. We have budgeted for one excursion to the museum, for 2 months' classes with collective leisure and developmental activities teachers, and we will be able to organise 8 tea parties for 20 new members.
Together we can give lonely elderly people the joy of life and the opportunity not to live in weakness, but to live happily ever after!
