Society of Certified Senior Advisors: Kindness on a Budget

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Kindness on a Budget

Feel great by trying out a few random acts of kindness that cost little or nothing.

There is nothing like giving to make you feel valued and important, but sometimes being on a fixed income can leave older adults wondering what they have to contribute. Quite a bit, as it turns out! There are plenty of things we can do for each other that cost nothing, or nearly so. And many of those things can be much more impactful in our community than any gift we could buy. This list is just one to get you motivated to start giving little gifts of kindness every day. Once you begin implementing a suggestion or two, you’re bound to come up with ideas of your own.

Smile at every person you encounter. Using the smile muscles in your face actually lifts your mood, and you can brighten someone else’s day at the same time.
Give a compliment to a stranger. It’s not as hard as you may think. Thank someone for holding a door open, tell somebody what a great hat they have on, or that their smile is fantastic.
Take time for a friend who’s been having a tough go of it. Sit down with them and make a point of listening, really listening, for an hour or an afternoon.
Cook a casserole for a new mother in your neighborhood, and deliver it with a card welcoming the baby.
Call up someone who has made your life better and let them know what a difference they have made.
Let someone go in front of you in line at the grocery store while giving them a smile.
Bake cookies and take them to your local thrift store workers, or volunteers at your food bank or animal shelter.
Send a note to someone you love, telling them you are thinking of them. Let them know why they are close to your heart.
Pick up litter in your neighborhood, on your walking route or in a park.
Donate old eyeglasses or clothing you no longer wear to a charitable organization. Lions Club recycle centers will take your glasses and send them to needy people around the world.
Fill the parking meter for a total stranger.
Remember who has complimented your scarf, and give it to them.
Donate your time as a volunteer. You can start your search at your local library, or even make that your charitable organization.
Think of the person who is in need, who everyone else is avoiding - and be the one who helps them. Listen without judging, and let them know you care.
Leave the coupons for things you don’t put in your basket next to the item for someone else to use.