Single Seniors Program Underway

Connecting with our single seniors is vital form of community outreach. Just ask Dick Harp, our OLLI director. He shares an update on launching an important service in our local community.

As you might recall, I have been passionately working to develop a program for single seniors within our OLLI. Several years ago, we tried to create such a program. Unfortunately, our efforts were unsuccessful at the time. However, this is a situation that is near and dear to my heart as I know firsthand of the tremendous need for such a program and how it can truly change lives.

Eye-Opening Statistics

Are you aware of the fact that the percentage of older adults who live alone has risen from 6% in 1900 to nearly 30% today (Pew Research Center)? And, the likelihood of living alone increases with age as nearly 43% of seniors 65+ now live alone according to U.S. Census data. Many seniors living alone may start to feel social isolation and loneliness. That’s why this program is so vital. I know from talking to many of these individuals at all of our various functions that some can feel out of place attending these events by themselves.

Creating a Program

In my previous letter, I sent a call out to anyone who would be willing to step forward and take a leadership role in creating this program. I’m pleased to announce that we have three amazing ladies who have answered the bell and will serve as pioneers in getting the program up and running. I would like to thank Carol Altgilbers, Susan Tike and Marilyn Fritz for sharing in this great vision and their willingness to launch this new endeavor.

Join Us

Our next step is hosting an organizational meet and greet meeting for any current members and interested individuals who would like to help or learn more about this project.  This meeting will serve as the perfect opportunity to share ideas, establish goals, and build a program that we can all be proud of. Refreshments will be served. If you are interested in joining us, please email ccpe@kennesaw.edu for more details. We look forward to meeting you there.

Hope to see you in class soon.