Glitter for the Golden Project

What walks on 4 legs in the morning, 2 in the afternoon and 3 in the evening? A human being. Yes, those very human beings that our society neglects when they reach that 'evening phase'. When I think of the elderly, I think of my grandfather, Grandpa Patel. He not only spent time playing with me as an infant/toddler but now teaches me a lot about business and just life in general from his own memories. Well, a few years ago he had a knee replacement surgery that left him needing a lot of help; he was sad and feeling hopeless. I took it upon myself to help him heal by keeping him in a pervasively happy mood.

Did you know that in the United States, of the six types of Elder Abuse, Neglect makes up 50%; that is almost half the elderly? This leaves them sad, lonely and with higher chances of dementia so they can't even recall the sweet memories of their past. Recognizing June 16th as Elder Abuse Awareness Day isn't enough; therefore, I created my 'Glitter for the Golden' Program.

For the past 7 years, I have volunteered at Silverado Senior Living Center at 555 American Court in Lake Zurich, Illinois. I try to spend 4-6 hours a week with the residents working on crafts, stories and more. These activities help their self-worth and also decrease the onset of dementia. The latest addition of my program are jigsaw puzzles. These puzzles are my paintings taught by Miss Barb; founder of Art Work by Barb. We use these jigsaw puzzles to practice, fine motor, memory and communication skills.

My dream is to have all my art work transformed into puzzles so that The Glitter for the Golden program can expand this into a fully functioning project to provide activities at senior living facilities throughout not only the United States but the world.

When you go home this evening remember to sprinkle some glitter for the golden to the elderly in your life; the very people who taught you all that you know. Isn't it time we gave back to them?

Visit Facebook: www.facebook.com/glitterforthegolden

Please donate at my Go Fund Me Site: http://www.gofundme.com/dashboard-z25dq9g