TOWSON, MD—The Baltimore County Department of Aging is seeking residents and businesses to participate in No Senior Eats Alone Day, an annual event celebrated in Baltimore County on September 15th.

The day, dedicated to making older adults feel valued, heard and connected, is one of BCDA’s ongoing efforts to combat social isolation in the County’s aging community.

Over the past four years, the Baltimore County Department of Aging has worked to raise awareness of the prevalence of social isolation in the Baltimore County’s older adult population. Life events that occur later in life—retirement, loss of a friend/spouse, moving, changes in health—naturally happen as one ages and decrease can one’s social network, leading to feelings of loneliness and social isolation. Research has proven that isolation affects one’s physical and mental health.

“Many of us are aware of someone in our community who may be feeling isolated and alone,” said BCDA Director Laura Riley. “Therefore, we are issuing a call to action for residents and businesses to reach out to those in the community who would benefit from companionship and invite them to share a meal or to join a group of peers to break bread.”

Baltimore County’s 20 senior centers will host lunches where older adults are invited to join BCDA’s Eating Together Program for a special meal, providing an opportunity to visit a center, meet members and discover the activities offered. Those with friends or family members interested in experiencing a senior center are encouraged to call a local center to register or contact the nutrition office at 410-887-3052 before September 1. Additionally, several centers are offering daylong opportunities to share a meal for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Partners needed

Individuals, and organizations such as religious institutions, restaurants, community associations, residential buildings are encouraged to participate and brighten a senior’s day by making them feel valued and appreciated. Ways to participate:

• Offer a meal to a senior group at a religious institution such as a church, synagogue or mosque;
• Provide a discount or free dessert to seniors or those eating with seniors on September 15;
• Ask members, friends or colleagues to reach out dine with an older adult either out or by bringing a meal to their home.
• Assist older adults in getting to a County senior center for a meal.

Current restaurant special list and community partner registration can be accessed online here or by calling 410-887-2002.

No Senior Eats Alone Day is one of many efforts on behalf of BCDA to keep older adults connected. Those who know an older adult who could benefit from being connected to the Department of Aging’s resources and programs, should contact Maryland Access Point of Baltimore County at 410-887-2594 or email [email protected].

The mission of the Baltimore County Department of Aging is to strengthen lives by providing services, programs and connections to resources. For more information on the various programs provided by BCDA, visit https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/aging.

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