As purpose-driven corporate giving becomes a strategic priority, companies that align their philanthropy with core business strategies see a 10% increase in employee engagement,” states the Giving in Numbers 2023 Edition by Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose (CECP).

As Giving Tuesday approaches (Tuesday, December 3), business leaders like you have an opportunity to go beyond the trend and make a real, lasting impact in their communities.

Aging-in-place non-profits, like DSCC, provide essential services to older adults, ensuring they remain safe and connected, especially during colder months.

The Growing Need

The aging population is growing faster than ever, with millions of seniors now choosing to age in place.

• By 2034, Those 65+ will outnumber those under 18. Seventy-seven million compared to 76.5 million.
• From 2002 to 2022, the number of older adults in traditional housing increased while nursing facilities decreased.

Top reasons older adults age in place:

• 83% feel safer in their homes
• 56% say their home reminds them of family
• 62% say they have an emotional attachment to their home
• 43% aren’t confident they could afford assisted living expenses
• 40% say independence is the biggest reason

The Challenges and Barriers to Aging in Place:

• Only 10% of American Homes are estimated to be “aging ready,” i.e., step-free entryway, first-floor bedroom and bathroom, and at least one bathroom accessibility feature.
• One-third of adults 65+ experience a fall each year.
• Home tasks are challenging to achieve:
• 37% cleaning
• 32% of outdoor tasks
• 16% home upkeep
• 8% repairs
• 3% indoor remodeling
• 2% movement
• 1% other

In addition to these statistics, 70% of seniors will need some form of long-term care at some point, yet many can’t afford private caregiving services.

Aging-in-place non-profits like DSCC and others in your community play a crucial role in filling these gaps, and they need consistent financial, volunteer, partnership, and advocacy support to meet this increasing demand.

So, this year, make your Giving Tuesday about standing behind your commitment, not just talking about it, to support the well-being of your community through helping the aging-in-place organizations in your area.

Your business can make a significant difference by committing to financial contributions, partnering with community programs, and volunteering time.

COMMIT to Purpose-Driven Donations: Strengthening Aging-in-Place Services

This Giving Tuesday, consider more than just a one-time donation.

By committing to purpose-driven donations, you can help aging-in-place organizations reach new audiences and raise awareness for their cause by increasing their visibility, enabling them to access more resources, and providing collaboration with other organizations. Your company’s donations, partnership, and advocacy can be a game-changer.

Donating to aging-in-place organizations in your community, like DSCC, ensures seniors remain safe, healthy, supported, and engaged throughout the year.

Your business’s contribution helps fund vital services, from wellness checks to meal deliveries, that directly impact the lives of older adults.

• Wellness checks that ensure seniors are safe (and haven’t fallen) and cared for.
• Meal delivery programs like Meals on Wheels provide nutrition and connection.
• Home safety modifications that keep seniors safe from falls and accidents.

When you choose to contribute, your business improves the lives of seniors and builds a stronger and healthier community.

PARTNER for Long-Term Community Engagement

Aging-in-place organizations thrive on partnerships with businesses that share their mission of community care.

By forming lasting partnerships with aging-in-place non-profits like DSCC, your business can play a pivotal role beyond financial donations in sustaining critical services for seniors.

Here are just a few ways your business partnership can create long-term community support for older adults aging in place:

• Sponsorships for senior-focused events.
• Logistical support, such as technology services for aging adults.
• Ongoing campaigns that engage your business, employees, and customers in community care initiatives.

Through partnerships, you can actively participate in long-term change in your community. Your business can be a pillar and standard bearer of support for seniors and their families, many of whom are your employees.

NEW! Adopt A Route: Engage Your Team in Direct Community Support

DSCC’s new Adopt-A-Route initiative allows your business to go beyond donations and partner sponsorships by encouraging employee engagement.

Here are some Meals-on-Wheels statistics:

• About 12 million seniors are threatened by or experience hunger.
• 2.2 million seniors are served annually
• 77% say the meals help improve their health
• 85% say the services help them feel more secure
• 92% say the meals help them live independently.

Employee teams can participate in delivering meals directly to older adults, making vital human connections to those at risk of isolation while supporting community health and well-being.

When your team adopts a meal delivery route, local seniors receive healthy meals and feel connected to others.

Adopting a route is a powerful way to engage your workforce, boost morale, and give back while supporting your commitment to strengthening your community.

A Final Thought

This Giving Tuesday, you can go beyond the tradition of talking points and stand behind a purpose with action that will shape your community’s future.

By donating, partnering, or volunteering with DSCC or a similar aging-in-place organization in your area, your business can provide much-needed support to aging adults during the cold months ahead.

Contact us today to learn more about how your company can get involved with DSCC’s initiatives. We believe that purposeful service is the heart of a strong community.

Let’s make this Giving Tuesday about more than just giving—it’s about making a lasting difference so older adults and our community can thrive.