Elderly population in Philadelphia's vicinity is approximately a quarter. Learn about becoming an 'aging services' volunteer
In the Philadelphia area, a significant portion of the population is made up of older adults. With over 1 million residents age 60 and older, accounting for approximately 25% of the region's population, there is a growing need for volunteers to support organizations that cater to this demographic.
One such organization is Penn's Village, a "neighbor-to-neighbor" organisation that helps older adults age in place by providing essential services such as rides to health appointments, pharmacies, and groceries, offering companionship, performing minor home repairs, providing tech assistance, offering pet care, running errands, and more. Interested individuals can fill out an application online to become a volunteer.
Another organisation, Meals on Wheels of Chester County, provides residents who are unable to leave home, including older adults, with a hot lunch five days a week. Volunteers at Meals on Wheels of Chester County generally deliver meals on weekdays between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., and those interested may sign up online. The organisation also accepts donations of handmade items like cards, ornaments, and snack bags to be delivered to clients alongside their meals.
Outside of state- or city-affiliated agencies, there are numerous grassroots community organizations that rely heavily on volunteers. For example, Bucks County Opportunity Council, Bucks County Positively Aging, and CARIE are examples of aging-related nonprofits and support groups in the Philadelphia area where volunteers are needed.
In Montgomery County, RSVP supports the health and wellness of older adults by helping with shopping, transportation, companionship, Medicare counseling, packing and delivering meals to older adults who cannot leave their homes, digital literacy, and more. Those interested may fill out an RSVP volunteer enrollment form online.
ElderNet, based in Lower Merion Township and Narbeth, Montgomery County, helps support older adults with low or moderate income and adults with disabilities. Volunteers at ElderNet offer help with driving to medical appointments, pharmacies, grocery shopping, home organizing, companionship, and small home repairs.
Senior Community Services (SCS), based in Folsom, is the largest provider of senior services in Delaware County and operates four senior centers in the region. Home-delivery meal drivers are among SCS' biggest volunteer needs, with a greater need for drivers in Chester, Darby, and Sharon Hill. Interested individuals can fill out an interest form online to volunteer.
Volunteers can support a wide variety of services for older adults through organisations like Area Agencies on Aging. Individual volunteers at Surrey Services for Seniors can sign up to drive residents to doctor's appointments, grocery stores, and errands, help with small household jobs, or data entry, and more. Group volunteers at Surrey Services for Seniors can help with yard work, cafe support, and assist with seasonal celebrations, fundraising events, and one-day workshops.
Lutheran Settlement House in Fishtown has a Center for Older Adults that offers fitness and dance classes, health coaching, creative arts, and other programming for those 55 and older. Interested individuals can fill out an interest form online to volunteer.
In addition to these organisations, there are many more in the Philadelphia region where volunteers are needed and appreciated. By volunteering, individuals can make a positive impact on the lives of older adults in their community and help ensure that they are able to age with dignity and independence.
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