Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly programs reduce isolation

Forever Friend Mike takes a ride with volunteer Hunter to get ice cream. (Photo courtesy of Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly)
MARQUETTE — My Dad recently celebrated his 90th birthday. It was also an occasion for him to surrender his driving privileges and not renew his license.
This was a privilege that he had since he was 12 years old.
He grew up on a farm and driving at a very young age was a necessity more than a privilege.
Throughout his life his career took him all over the state of Michigan behind the wheel of his car. Our family can’t even come close to estimating the number of miles that are in his rearview mirror.
He retains his knowledge of the cities, towns, highways and back roads in the maps of his memory.
His children consider him a human GPS often smarter than their phones.
I am on this mini road trip with my dad because it takes us to the place where many of our isolated, elderly neighbors reside, in the passenger seat phase of their lives.
Lack of control of access to personal transportation is a common denominator to isolation. It is a profound loss and evidence of diminishing capacity.
Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly services address this issue. Through our Friendly Visiting program volunteers are matched with older adults for friendship. We call these elders Forever Friends. Volunteers visit 1-2 times at a minimum monthly.
These visits often include a ride to a haircut, to a coffee shop, to a lunch spot, or an errand. During these times, being a passenger feels good. Getting into a personal vehicle feels good. Hanging out with a friend feels good.
Another facet of the Friendly Visiting program is LBFE hosted gatherings that bring together all Forever Friends.
These special events celebrate birthdays, and holidays such as Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, and Halloween. Each time friendship relationships are nurtured.
Each time the room is more comfortable as greetings are exchanged and the chatting begins. Each gathering is an opportunity to be active, get out into their communities and connect with local events.
Forever Friends in Marquette recently celebrated with a birthday party at the Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum, toured the Marquette Regional History Center, and plan to attend a Marquette City Band Concert this summer.
These programs and services are offered by LBFE volunteers in Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw, Marquette, and Ontonagon counties.