#United States #Kansas City #Social Isolation #Unbound #elder sponsorship

Unbound's Compassionate Initiative for Older Adults Tackles Social Isolation

Unbound's Compassionate Initiative for Older Adults

As we recognize the International Day of Older Persons on October 1st, Unbound, an international nonprofit organization, brings attention to a pressing global issue: the rise of social isolation among older adults, especially in regions like Africa, Asia, and Latin America. This growing crisis is compounded by poverty, leading to significant risks for the health and well-being of millions of seniors around the world.

The United Nations Population Fund has revealed alarming predictions: the number of individuals over 80 years old is expected to triple over the next 50 years, with a staggering 80% of older people living in low- and middle-income countries by 2050. The World Health Organization's Commission on Social Connection further reports that nearly 12% of older adults globally experience loneliness, a condition that presents serious health risks. These trends not only exacerbate social isolation but also increase the vulnerability of the elderly in developing regions.

In response to this urgent situation, Unbound has developed an innovative elder sponsorship program aimed at addressing both poverty and social isolation among older adults. By promoting human connection and preserving dignity within communities, this initiative opens the door for essential care and support, thus allowing seniors to engage meaningfully with their surroundings.

Rosemary, an elder from Kenya who has benefited from the program, shared her experience: "When you're alone, you often feel like you're the only one facing challenges. But when I attended the elder group meetings, I realized there were others going through even greater struggles, and some were older than me. Those gatherings encouraged me." This sentiment echoes the mission of Unbound, which seeks to empower older individuals to live with dignity, purpose, and connection, significantly enhancing their lives in the process.

Unbound’s president and CEO, Ashley Hufft, stated, "Thanks to our generous sponsors, Unbound offers a comprehensive suite of programs designed to help older populations remain connected, healthy, and thriving. By 2030, we aim to expand our elder programming to reach 50,000 individuals worldwide." Currently, the organization successfully impacts the lives of over 32,000 older adults through its sponsorship endeavors, providing them with vital resources that pave the way for improved living conditions.

Several success stories highlight the effectiveness of Unbound’s elder sponsorship initiative:

Herminiana, a 73-year-old living in the Philippines, benefited from a two-phase pilot program focused on managing diabetes. With the support of Unbound and Chronic Care International, she learned to monitor her health, choose appropriate foods, and consistently manage her medication.

Nazario, an 83-year-old elder in Guatemala, initially struggled to meet his daily needs due to physical limitations affecting his basket-weaving work. With the help of Unbound's sponsorship, he can now produce baskets at a pace that accommodates his condition, relieving stress and ensuring he can afford necessary expenses.

* David, a 78-year-old from Kenya, found himself using his retirement savings to support his children and grandchildren. Through Unbound’s assistance, he received materials to launch a small business selling spices and handwoven bags, enabling him to generate an income and provide for his family sustainably.

As Dan Pearson, Unbound's chief international program officer, remarks, "Unbound is committed to empowering individuals, families, and communities to craft their paths out of poverty while ensuring the well-being of all ages. Supporting older adults is vital as it allows them to form personal connections and acknowledge their enduring value to society."

About Unbound

Founded in 1981, Unbound is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to delivering over $100 million in personalized support each year for children, elders, and their families living in poverty across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. By supporting families on their self-directed paths out of poverty, Unbound employs a decentralized approach, granting individuals and communities the autonomy to select resources that improve their lives while respecting their dignity. With core values centered on respect, authenticity, innovation, and optimism, Unbound offers supporters a practical avenue to enact lasting change through personal partnerships. For more information, please visit www.Unbound.org.