Seniors Helping Seniors
RSVP has the dual purpose of engaging those 55 and over in meaningful volunteer service and providing volunteers to meet critical community needs. RSVP volunteers have a lifetime of experience and are using their skills and talents to strengthen their own community. As a program we have selected the area of “Healthy Futures” as our main objective. We operate two signature programs that address this objective: Bone Builders and Caregivers.
Bone Builders is a free senior strength training and balance exercise program. It can prevent and reverse osteoporosis and improves muscle strength, balance and bone density, along with helping with energy and general health. Better still, many Bone Builders participants become friends. Classes are taught by certified RSVP volunteer leaders at over 20 locations throughout Merrimack, Rockingham, and Belknap counties. For information about Bone Builders please reach out to 603-228-0139.
List of current classes: Pre- registration is required and many classes have waiting lists. Please reach out to get more information.
Caregivers, is a Concord based program designed to meet the needs of those aging at home. RSVP staff recruit, screen and support volunteers who provide door-to-door transportation for medical appointments, free grocery shopping, a telephone reassurance program and a pilot pet therapy program. We aim to keep individuals living at home longer with improved social interactions and social support. There is no charge for our services and they are open to seniors in the Concord area age 60 or over, or those with a qualifying medical condition. In 2024, volunteers provided over 1,000 rides to important appointments and nearly 500 shopping trips that helped isolated and frail seniors keep food in their pantries.
If you, or a loved one would benefit from these services, or you would like to volunteer, please reach out to the Caregivers Program at 603-228-7615.
Over 2000 Bone Builders classes are offered around the state each year, for free to eligible seniors and are designed to build strength, improve balance, and minimize osteoporosis and other health risks. This program is possible because of the dedication of volunteer class leaders, many of whom have been serving for over 10 years, who train and cheer on the participants. Even more importantly, they build a group that provides social connection and friendship critical to keeping people engaged and healthy. This spring, over 80 Bone Builders leaders gathered for the annual refresher class.
Ryan Poplaski, of Bodywise Physical Therapy in Stratham addressed the group and made suggestions on how to make the class more effective. He took part in a live class in Stratham and was impressed by the level of leadership and the difficulty of the program - he was also very impressed with everyone's commitment to the class. His statement “Without Challenge there is no Change” is a mantra everyone involved in Bone Builders can live by. They constantly challenge themselves.
Bone Builders leaders are volunteers with a strong sense of community and commitment to the program. They are an amazing group helping hundreds of participants get and stay strong. Please reach out to Addie for more information at 228-1193. Go Bone Builders!
2022 Impact Statistics
2,000
Bone Builders classes
1,600
rides to important appointments
3,952
miles driven by volunteers