Caring for a family member, friend, or community member as they age can pose various challenges. Frustration, isolation, and communication and mobility challenges are just some of the issues faced by seniors. For veterans, such problems can be exacerbated by old injuries, traumatic memories and a lack of community. Recognize their service to the country by giving back and helping a senior near you today with these practical tips.

Help them keep learning

Lifelong learning can help seniors feel more confident, capable and connected to today’s world. Learning new things can also help in keeping the brain active and healthy. Encourage senior veterans to pursue new interests such as learning a new language, instrument, technology, or seeking a course of study that interests them. Senior internships are growing in popularity, as are scholarships for veterans to pursue formal studies. Taking time to teach seniors a skill one-on-one can be meaningful as well. Even something as simple as helping a senior learn to use an iPad, desktop computer, social media or streaming service can make a real difference.

Help them keep moving

While some veterans may have longstanding mobility challenges associated with past injuries, helping seniors keep moving to the best of their abilities can make a significant difference in their lifespan and quality of life. Depending on capacity, maintaining mobility can range from a brief daily walk to a full exercise regimen. Helping a senior veteran connect with a gym, coach or trainer who understands their challenges and can ensure safe movement is a positive step, as is encouraging them to connect with other seniors for fitness activities, or working with them individually to get outdoors and engage in health-appropriate movement.

Help with basic needs

For some senior veterans with mobility or financial challenges, basic needs such as food, shelter, and self-care may be a challenge. Not all seniors will be comfortable with sharing their difficulties, so pay attention and look for creative ways to help if you see signs of them struggling to access, prepare and eat healthy food, find safe, adequate shelter or maintain a clean person and environment. Seniors may not know how to access community resources such as a food bank or meal service, home-care or nursing service. You can make a difference by doing the research and getting such supports in place for them, or by taking the initiative to provide what care you can personally or support an organization that does.

Help with connection

While some senior veterans have strong family connections, friendships, and communities, others struggle with loneliness and isolation and may not know how to go about expressing their need for more community, making new connections, or may simply not be comfortable broaching the topic. Other items on this list can help alleviate these challenges. Learning something new or taking part in activities in a group setting such as a classroom, community center, senior’s center or veteran’s organization can be a great way to get out of the house and get connected. Take the initiative to help seniors in your circle find and access resources in their area, donate to such resources, and take the lead to create a connect with senior veterans when possible. For veterans living in less urban areas or with significant mobility issues, offering transportation or helping them learn how to access transportation resources can also help them get out and connect.

Help with planning for the future

It can be a delicate topic to broach, but it’s important to have end-of- life conversations and help senior veterans plan for their future while they’re in a position to communicate their wishes. Focus discussions on their hopes and desires. How would they like their life celebrated? Is there a faith tradition, place of worship or spiritual advisor they’d like incorporated in funeral or celebration of life plans? If they experience a health crisis, do they want measures taken to keep them alive or would they prefer a ‘Do Not Resuscitate’ (DNR) order?

Making plans to budget and access financial benefits to fund senior veterans’ funeral plans is important for their wishes can be carried out. While many people are uncomfortable talking about finances, it is important to sit down with seniors and help them to understand their financial situation, how they can apply for benefits, and budget for their life and death. This can all be very difficult for seniors to do on their own, as they may not be able to find, navigate and access full information and resources.

Help with spiritual care

Assisting senior veterans to access appropriate spiritual care can also add to their quality of life. If they are associated with a particular faith tradition, helping them with transportation and searching out related places of worship, faith communities and spiritual advisors can contribute to their peace of mind and life satisfaction. Since many faith communities have devoted senior’s groups, services and activities, it can also be a way to combat isolation and loneliness and access practical care. Ensuring veterans can age in a healthy, happy and connected manner is a meaningful way to give back to seniors who have served their country. Connect with the seniors in your life and community to make sure they’re connected to the communities and resources necessary to enjoy their retirement and manage their future.