The prolonged war in Ukraine stirred strong feelings for Jackie Bell of Rochester, New York. She felt sad for everyone living amidst such danger, and especially older people. Her own work supporting older people to manage their finances while coping with disability and changing personal circumstances had given her unique insight into how particular support needs of older people can be overlooked. In a war zone, she imagined that can be magnified dramatically.
After visiting HelpAge USA’s website and watching a video with images of an older woman sweeping piles of broken glass in her apartment after a bombing, Jackie felt a connection.
“I just can’t imagine being some place so dangerous. We have to think of our own parents and grandparents, and what it would be like for them in this situation,” Jackie told HelpAge.
HelpAge’s distinctive programs working to reduce isolation and neglect of older people in Ukraine particularly resonated with her.
Across the country, HelpAge community workers visit older people living alone, with disabilities, and in hard-to-reach areas to make sure they have food, medicines, and other essentials, like blankets and portable phone chargers for electricity blackouts. The visits help make sure older people feel supported even in the harshest of circumstances.
HelpAge also brings older people together. Collaborating with local municipalities, HelpAge organizes social activities, classes, cultural events as well as referrals to services at community centers, offering a safe place for older people, particularly those who are displaced from their homes, often thousands of miles away.
“Isolation can be a killer, especially for people who may already be sad and grieving. It’s so important that older people have a place to go to talk, commiserate with others, even laugh. Social engagement is a lifeline,” Jackie said.
As a CPA and money manager, Jackie is very thoughtful about where she makes her charitable contributions, and selected HelpAge with care.
“I saw that you were doing good work. I also checked Charity Navigator, and I saw that you have high marks. That gave me confidence to make my donation. I think anyone who can support HelpAge would be making a significant difference.”