October 24th is Make a Difference Day, a nationwide celebration dedicated to improving the lives of the people in our own communities and neighborhoods. You don't have to look outside your senior apartments or make a grand gesture to make a big difference in someone's life. Often, just one small gesture can make a big difference in the day (or even life!) of a neighbor or person in your local community.
If you're not sure what you can do to make a difference in your community, we have a few ideas to get you started:
1. Bake a favorite treat to share with friends and neighbors.
There's an old saying that goes something like, “The quickest way to a man's heart is through his stomach.” As it turns out the same holds true for just about everyone. And that means if you want to make the people around you feel good, offering a delicious treat is a great way to appeal to everyone. To make sure all your neighbors are included in your generosity, you might consider using a sugar substitute or opting for a savory treat instead of something sweet.
2. Plan a low-key get-together and invite new residents (and “old” ones too).
Most of us have been the “new kid on the block” at some point in our lives, and no matter how old you are, adjusting to new surroundings and new neighbors is never an easy process. By hosting a relaxed, informal gathering, you can help new residents meet their neighbors and learn about the community without feeling stressed or uncomfortable. Keep it simple: Offer a few snacks with iced tea, coffee or another beverage and be ready to make introductions as well as conversation so that everyone feels at home and at ease.
3. Eating out? A generous tip lets the wait staff know they're appreciated.
In many restaurants, waiters and waitresses are paid below minimum wage with the expectation that tips will make up the difference. You can really make a waitperson's day by leaving more than the traditional 15 percent. If you're worried they'll come to expect it after your next meal—and the next—leave a note along with your tip explaining the meaning behind Make a Difference Day and how you chose them for your meaningful act of kindness. Chances are, that'll mean as much as the tip!
4. Invite a new or lonely resident to have lunch with you.
For some residents, being sociable and outgoing just comes naturally; for others, not so much. Most senior apartments and adult living communities have at least one resident who may seem to hold back when it comes to social functions. Inviting them to lunch might be just what it takes to help them break out of their shell. Just be careful of how you word your invitation. Sometimes, “lonely” people are just shy, and mentioning they seem “lonely” can make them acutely uncomfortable. Offer the invitation casually and keep the outing lighthearted and brief. Who knows? It may become a regular habit.
5. Smile and be friendly to everyone you meet.
A smile costs absolutely nothing. There's no complex preparation involved, and you don't even have to get dressed up to do it. It's one of the few friendly gestures we can make that's understood worldwide. And, not only does smiling make the recipient feel good, studies have shown smiling more often can reduce stress and make the giver feel more upbeat as well. In fact, if there's one habit you take away from Make a Difference Day, smiling more often should be it.
Start Small. Think Big.
Make a Difference Day is about just that—making a difference in the lives of the people around you. Residents of senior apartments have plenty of opportunities to make a difference in their own communities. All it takes is a little creativity and a little effort to bring happiness and joy to a friend or neighbor.
