USA - Write a Letter to an Elder

Hello, everyone!

My swaps are changing for 2024, so please read the details. (This note will probably remain until March.)

Please do not comment on any swaps. SB does NOT alert hosts. Message us directly!

4.5 ratings. Must have 10+ type 2 swaps, no 1s/non-sends in past 6 months.

Write (or type) a letter, NOT a notecard. Decorate the envelope- it's fun to see! One partner, USA only.

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You can read about it here: loveforourelders.org

Feb. 26th is Write to an Elder Day!

This letter is for ONE partner, USA only.

Write or type a letter. Yes, it says to hand-write, but some of us have mobility issues and joint problems, okay? :P And this swap is to include us all. Also, some people's vision isn't as good as it used to be. If you want to type, that is entirely fine. Decorate the envelope and make it fun to receive!

This is a one page letter, but write as much as you like. Maybe ask questions, too. Notecards, greeting cards, and postcards are not considered letters.

You can write to anyone you like. I try to send short letters or cards to relatives in their 60s and 70s. Some of you are already in your 60s, but... the whole family has pretty much always been 'working class.' A lot of us don't live to be 80. Don't wait around, assuming someone will be there when they are. The world is stupid and unexpected things happen. Talk to people while they're here.

I don't want anyone to feel alone, especially since so many live far outside of cities, where it costs less to retire. Small towns can be more isolating in ways. ALFs and 'care homes' can be better (medically) but also worse socially. The point of this 'swap' is to make sure people don't feel forgotten.

Maybe there's something you've wondered about, like "little things." It isn't too late to ask, but one day, it will be! Like, we've probably seen going to a soda shop in movies and TV shows- but what was it like to actually BE at one in the 50s? What was it like to live outside of a major city in 1964? What were your biggest memories of your 20s? What did you think "growing up" would mean, vs. what actually happened when you DID "grow up?"

Don't worry about the 'history books.' This is a kind of 'people's history.' Write those letters!

This is an honour-based swap. No one can check that you really did write to someone, so please do what you say you will. <3

When you send out your letter, message your 'assigned partner' on SB to let them know that you mailed out. Maybe say hello to them as well. What did you like about this swap?

Penpal.me has great guides on how to write a penpal letter, with plenty of ideas and examples for what to say. You might also like reading though the site in general! <3

https://blog.penpal.me/how-to-write-a-pen-pal-letter/