![\"Pen](\"https:\/\/s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/img.prod.aplaceformom.com\/main\/uploads\/sa-blog\/2015\/04\/Pen-Pal-Programs-350x350.png\")
<\/h1>\n<\/h1>\nWith today\u2019s fast-paced digital communications, filled with the instant gratification of emails and text messages, it\u2019s easy to forget what an important role letters and physical mail once played in the life of an entire generation. The anticipation, the extra effort of going to the mailbox or post office, the surprise of a handwritten letter arriving, and the excitement of what could be inside, were all a part of life for many seniors.<\/p>\n
Even today, when many seniors are computer-savvy, receiving a handwritten letter means so much more, especially as they age and have fewer family members, friends, and loved ones out in the world with which to connect. Knowing this, many senior living facilities are implementing pen pal programs to rekindle the tradition of the handwritten letter, reestablishing connections to the \u201coutside world\u201d for many seniors who miss the joy that comes with a delivered letter.<\/p>\n
A common recent trend is pairing up seniors with younger local students to be pen pals. Since many of the children do not have living grandparents, they enjoy learning from the life lessons the seniors can offer. Seniors in turn often experience a new enthusiasm for life through the excitement of a younger person\u2019s perspective, questions, and learning, as well as having something enjoyable to look forward to on a regular basis. In addition, students get to develop their writing skills, while seniors can keep their own communication skills sharp. Many of these programs culminate with a meeting between pen pals at the school or the residence at the end of the school year.<\/p>\n
Starting up a pen pal program at a senior living community\u00a0can be as simple as contacting a nearby schoolteacher. Setting up a new program typically involves coordinating volunteers from both sides of the process, both within the community and volunteers from the public.\u00a0When starting up a pen pal program, here are some guidelines to follow:<\/p>\n
Handwritten letters are a tangible way to share old memories and create new friendships. Just like letters of the past keep people connected through war, across oceans, over years, they can continue to engage multiple generations even in this tech-savvy age.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Pen Pal Programs With today\u2019s fast-paced digital communications, filled with the instant gratification of emails and text messages, it\u2019s easy to forget what an important role letters and physical mail once played in the life of an entire generation. The anticipation, the extra effort of going to the mailbox or post office, the surprise of a handwritten letter arriving, and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2201,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[199,200,2],"tags":[397,13,318],"class_list":{"0":"post-4511","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-business-owners","7":"category-families-caregivers","8":"category-senior-living","9":"tag-letter-writing-month","10":"tag-senior-living-2","11":"tag-volunteering"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n