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Senior Times - March 2026 Page 9BE THE BRIGHT SPOT IN SOMEONE%u2019S DAYResearch shows that older adults in our country experience a higher rate of feeling lonely and experiencing social isolation than younger people. Contributing to this are factors such as the loss of a partner or other loved ones, decreased mobility, worsening vision and hearing, chronic illness, inability to access transportation, and the loss of previous activities such as employment.On a positive note, according to the University of Michigan%u2019s Michigan Medicine, loneliness and isolation among older adults have returned to pre-pandemic levels; however, on the downside, that equates to just over one third of people aged 50 to 80 feeling lonely and/or socially isolated. Social isolation and loneliness are not the same things, and they don%u2019t always accompany one another. Social isolation occurs when a person lacks adequate connections to family, friends, or a community. Loneliness is the feeling of being alone. Some people enjoy %u201calone time%u201d and, although they may be socially isolated, they may not be lonely. On the other hand, people can live with and around others and still experience the feeling of loneliness.A study by the National Library of Medicine has linked social isolation and loneliness to higher risks for a variety of physical and mental conditions including high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, and Alzheimer%u2019s disease. Thankfully the most effective fix is an easy one %u2013 increased socialization; and YOU can make that happen!Milestone Senior Services offers a Senior Companionship program, which matches volunteers over the age of 55 with seniors in the community who are in need of companionship. Through this program the volunteer and the participant enjoy an ongoing relationship, which not only provides the isolated participant with companionship but also brings a great level of satisfaction and reward to the volunteer. Augusta, one of our Senior Companion volunteers recently told us, %u201cIt's a two-way street %u2013 it doesn't just help those being served %u2013 it helps those providing the service.\Our Senior Companion volunteers are partnered with one or more participants who may live at home in the community or may reside at one of our partner senior living or nursing facilities. Because this program provides on going one-on-one relationships, a bond is often formed between the volunteer and the participant. For some of the participants, their loneliness is due to physical isolation from others; but others may have people around them, but not someone they feel connected with. By matching older adult volunteers with our participants, they already start off with something in common, and the relationship builds from there. Martha, another Senior Companion volunteer, said, %u201cIt just feels good to be needed.%u201dAs an added bonus, some Senior Companion volunteers may qualify for a small stipend to compensate for time and travel expenses. Before getting started, Milestone performs a thorough background check on all volunteers and provides them with training and resource materials. The Senior Companion is a program of Senior AmeriCorps, which Milestone facilitates in Calhoun and Kalamazoo counties. YOU can be the bright spot in someone%u2019s day! We are currently in need of Senior Companion volunteers to meet the need of seniors in need of companionship. This is particularly true in Calhoun County where we currently have a waiting list of participants wanting to connect with a Senior Companion volunteer. If you are interested in being a Senior Companion volunteer, please contact Shellie at (269) 380-0515 x127 or visit us online at MilestoneSeniorServices.org.By: Dale Abbott, Special to Senior TimesMILESTONES Aging395 S. Shore Drive, Suite 205Battle Creek, MI 49014 (269) 963-3900Probate %u2022 Elder LawEstate PlanningErin L. Majka Phillip E. Harterwww.mielderlaw.comThe Legal Services of South Central Michigan-Battle Creek office will conduct interviews for legal advice and possible representation, without charge, on the following dates and times for interested older Americans.OVER THE TELEPHONE: For Barry and St. Joseph Counties. Please call (269) 224-5040, on Wednesday, March 18, from 9am-12pm. IN PERSON OUTREACH:%u2022 Tuesday, March 10, 9-11:45am, Burnside Senior Center, 65 Grahl, Coldwater.%u2022 Friday, March 13, 9am-12pm, Office of Legal Services of South Central Michigan, 123 West Territorial Road, Battle Creek.%u2022 Tues, March 24, 10-11am, Sturgis Senior Center, 306 N. Franks Avenue, Sturgis.Legal Advice for Older AmericansBy: Anna Moss, Managing Attorney475 E. Columbia Ave., Suite #5, Battle Creek, MI 49014 (Lower level)(269) 968-9923rightchoicedentalbattlecreek.comIMPLANTS $675For patients needing dentures, or have poor fitting dentures,get implants and hold your dentures tightly in place.Full Service DentistryDR. WESTWe Do Everything Dental Related (no referrals needed).All Services Provided in aPAINLESS Manner.WE CARE FOR ADULTS & CHILDREN(No More Sticky Glue.)Eat Apples Again!RIGHT CHOICE DENTALImplants $ 675 Per Tooth (Does Not Include Crown)105 Capital Ave., NE %u2022 269-962-5527 %u2022 www.farleyestesdowdle.comBATTLE CREEK | AUGUSTA | RICHLANDcompassion