Research informs us that the best suicide prevention strategy for older adults is increasing meaningful human connections.
The population served in the Senior Peer Program (SPP) at West Yavapai Guidance Clinic (WYGC) includes those who are age 60 and older who are isolated and lonely. This isolation makes them more vulnerable for increased health problems, depression, anxiety and, unfortunately, suicide. Research informs us that the best suicide prevention strategy for older adults is increasing meaningful human connections. We are a prevention program, driven by a group of extraordinary volunteers. They have had background checks, clearance through fingerprint cards and, finally, training and support by our two staff members.
There is no charge for our services, so we rely on donations and grant funding to be able to continue to reach out to our older community in the Quad Cities area. Volunteers usually visit our participants in their homes, but recently, because of the pandemic, most are reached by phone. A significant percentage of our folks have no means of electronic communication. According to a recent survey conducted by the SPP, participants indicate they look forward to calls and visits from a volunteer and report increased well-being.
For some participants, their volunteer is the only touchstone for human contact in their lives. The volunteers provide companionship and explore ways the participant can increase their social connections and receive additional services they may need. We typically provide a number of support groups and classes to older adults who are able to attend. Currently, only two are offered through Zoom meetings. The SPP gram will return to actual in-person visits and groups once the pandemic subsides.
“Helping others is a universal virtue and a very affordable and economic way to benefit others and our own wellbeing,” said researcher Bryan Hui. “As the saying goes, helping others is helping yourself.”
Hui conducted research on well-being and the contributing factors. Analyzing more than 126 research articles with almost 200,000 participants from around the world, he concluded that people who were kind tended to have a greater sense of well-being. “It’s possible that informal helping may fill our more basic psychological needs for autonomy and close relationships, which is why it could lead to greater happiness.” For more on the research, go to psycnet.apa.org/record/2020-65092-001.
If you are a senior, 60 or older, and able to commit to making weekly contact by phone, and in the future with in-home visits with a desire for more connection to people, we need you. If you are 60+ years old and would like to join the program as a participant or a volunteer, please call us at 928-445-5211, ext. 2601, or email directly to l.spears@wygc.org.
Volunteering will provide benefits to you, too. Our volunteers frequently tell us that they experience an increased sense of purpose and well-being through their work. When one feels that they are not seen and recognized as a person of value, they inevitably lose self-esteem. That is not what we want for ourselves in later life. Our participants report contentment and even joy from their volunteer visits.
If you would like to donate your AZ tax credit dollars or make a general donation to the Senior Peer Program, please visit the WYGC website at wygc.org and follow the “donate” button to make your donation. QCBN
By Connie Boston and Lance Spears, QCBN
Connie Boston is the senior peer program manager. Lance Spears is the senior peer volunteer coordinator. For more information, visit wygc.org.