The Seaglass Village, which works to help seniors maintain their independence, has received a $30,000 grant from the Women’s Fund of Essex County.
The grant is meant to support subsidized memberships within the volunteer-powered nonprofit Seaglass Village for women over the next three years. The usual membership fee for a single person is $360 per year, and for a household of two or more people it’s $540 per year.
“We are really excited about it because it will allow us to offer subsidized memberships to those in our service area who could use our assistance in staying in their own homes,” said Penny Stratton, the director of the Seaglass Village.
Over 70 subsidized memberships will be offered to older women in Swampscott, Nahant and Marblehead who are living alone in affordable housing. Seaglass Village also said it hopes to expand its membership to Salem.
The memberships, which are for older adults age 50 and over, include a wide range of services and programs, delivered by volunteers. Members have access to transportation to medical appointments as well as to errands and grocery stores.
There is also a variety of social and educational programs through the Seaglass Village. Upcoming events include pickleball, backyard garden visits, lunch out with friends, book club meetings and a trip to the Marblehead Little Theater.
“All of these services help combat social isolation, which can significantly impact a person’s health,” said Heidi Whear, co-founder of the Seaglass Village and director of aging services in Swampscott.
Loneliness in older adults can have a significantly negative effect on their physical and mental health, according to the National Institute on Aging. Isolation has been related to cognitive decline, depression, high blood pressure and heart disease.
Studies have linked loneliness to an increase in the risk for older adults of heart disease by 29% and stroke by 32%.
The loss of connection and community changes the way a person perceives the world. The National Institute of Aging states. Developing social and psychological interventions, which can include relationships through caregiving or volunteering as well as community events, can combat the physiological effects of loneliness.
“We’re working to build a stronger, more inclusive community–one where everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, has the opportunity to thrive,” Whear said.
The Women’s Fund of Essex County works to support women in need or at risk by funding transformative programs. Through grants, the group partners with organizations to allow the women to reach their full potential.
“We are both delighted and honored to receive this grant,” said Doreen Hodgkin, the president of the Seaglass Village. “It will allow us to serve more women in need and ensure equitable access to essential services.”
