We noticed an interesting press release coming across the wire last week, as crooner Tony Bennett joined the AARP's drive to end hunger campaign by participating in a benefit concert event.
"It is terrific to be working with AARP once again, especially for a cause like ending hunger among older Americans, which often does not get much attention. I know this event will make a big difference and I am thrilled to be a part of it and have some of my favorite musical performers join me for the concert," said Bennett.
A vital musical artist at the peak of his career, Bennett is living proof that you can do anything you want—no matter your age—if you're young at heart.
That last line, about age being irrelevant, is something we believe in, but it takes a particular point of view to understand this concept.
Age matters, of course, but what one want out of life changes as one grows, and to the extent a healthy, mature person explores growth and development, at say, age 80, it is more about learning what can be learned at that point of life, and challenging life to offer what it has, even if one's bones are a little tired.
"Tony has successfully captured a whole new generation of listeners and at age 85, he's still a consummate performer at the top of his game," said A. Barry Rand, CEO, AARP. "Not only is he a living legend in the world of music, his dedication to giving back to the community is inspiring, and we're thrilled to have him join AARP in our goal to end hunger for older people in America."
So, do we think Tony Bennett is going to make a difference in the fight against hunger? Yes, indeed, especially to the extent he will strike out against the problem, at the age of 85, and use his presence to raise concerns.
What else can be done?
Plenty...
As SWVA Today points out, nearly 3.5 million seniors in America live in a state of hunger, and this means no extra snack before bedtime, or even learning to live with less at breakfast...something many of us just don't know anything about.
But, the article goes on to point out that there are numerous programs available, and it might be just a matter of reaching out to connect seniors in need with the resources available.
In St. Louis, Kingdom House announces instruments of senior care regularly, and such services are abundant in the city, and in many cities. But these organizations need funding and volunteers.
At Provision Living, we've seen these services make a difference, as food pantries and community outreach serve to add a few extra cans of food, or even trips to the grocery market a couple times per month.
The answers are out there, and while big names like Tony Bennett are needed and welcome, there are plenty of opportunities to engage at the community level. The challenge of hunger affects all segments of society, and while seniors may slip below the radar when it comes to hunger, the answers are there if we can connect and engage.
