AARP Eye Center
WASHINGTON—Ahead of Valentine’s Day this year, Wish of a Lifetime from AARP is joining forces with communities around the country for Cupid Crew, a volunteer-driven effort, to safely create and deliver heartfelt cards to older adults across the country who are socially isolated while also nurturing intergenerational bonds.
During the pandemic, AARP Foundation and UnitedHealth Foundation conducted a study that found 2 out of 3 adults said they were suffering from social isolation. The continuing problem of social isolation threatens the health and mental wellbeing of millions of people in the U.S.
“Among older adults, loneliness and isolation can have serious health consequences. Cupid Crew is an opportunity for every generation to engage with older adults and strengthen social ties and intergenerational connections,” said Tom Wagenlander, Executive Director of Wish of Lifetime from AARP. “Last year we delivered 218,000 cards and, with the much-appreciated help of the Girl Scouts of the USA, our goal is to top a quarter million cards this year.”
For the second consecutive year, Wish of a Lifetime from AARP is collaborating with Girl Scouts of the USA and schools from across the country to help realize their goal and ensure people bridge the generational gap and foster meaningful connections to combat loneliness. Girl Scouts of the USA is enlisting troops to download and create and send personalized Valentine's Day cards to older adults who might be feeling a little lonely these days.
To participate and share some love, go to wishofalifetime.org/cupid to download and create a card, then send it to an older adult this Valentine’s Day. Creating a card is easy, just click “download a card” on the website to print it out. Then write a Valentine’s Day message and send it to an older adult you love.
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About Wish of a Lifetime from AARP
Wish of a Lifetime from AARP grants wishes to people 65 and older in recognition of their special accomplishments, contributions and sacrifices. As one of AARP’s charitable affiliates, Wish of a Lifetime helps people achieve long held goals while also combatting the negative effects of isolation and strengthening social ties and intergenerational connections. Connecting wish recipients with the people and passions that are important to them is central to the organization’s work. To learn more, visit www.wishofalifetime.org or follow @wishofalifetime on social media.
About AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org, www.aarp.org/espanol or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspanol @AARPadvocates and @AliadosAdelante on social media.
We Are Girl Scouts of the USA
Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit girlscouts.org.