Tom Neuman and Cindy Rekemeyer are bringing a new level of support to seniors in Northwest Tucson through their Seniors Helping Seniors® franchise.
With strong backgrounds in healthcare and aviation, this duo is leveraging their unique qualifications to connect seniors in need of assistance with individuals willing to volunteer their time. Their initiative not only combats senior loneliness but also promotes active aging by fostering a sense of community among older adults.
Tom Neuman, a former U.S. Army member and commercial pilot, and Cindy Rekemeyer, a nurse practitioner with over two decades of experience in the medical field, bring a wealth of knowledge and compassion to this endeavor. Their combined expertise allows them to provide meaningful care that extends beyond traditional health services.
Key Takeaways
Tom Neuman and Cindy Rekemeyer are launching a Seniors Helping Seniors® initiative in Northwest Tucson that connects seniors with volunteers for peer-to-peer care.
- The initiative aims to combat senior loneliness by fostering community connections among older adults.
- Seniors can engage in meaningful work opportunities while receiving assistance, addressing both their needs and desires to contribute.
- Support groups and educational resources are provided to enhance mental health and cognitive wellness.
A mission born from personal experience
The idea for Seniors Helping Seniors® emerged from their personal experiences with family members who needed assistance but struggled to find suitable options. Recognizing this gap, Tom and Cindy sought to create a service that offers compassionate, tailored support for seniors. Their vision is to build a supportive network where older adults can help one another, fostering connections and mutual understanding.
The concept behind Seniors Helping Seniors® has gained significant momentum in recent years due to its innovative approach, which focuses on providing peer-to-peer care rather than just offering traditional medical assistance. This model ensures that seniors not only receive help but also have opportunities to stay engaged and contribute to their community.
Creating opportunities for purposeful engagement
“We want to provide seniors with meaningful work opportunities while also addressing their needs,” Tom explained during an interview. Cindy added that their goal is to establish a framework that keeps older adults involved and connected through assisting others.
For Tom and Cindy, their initiative is more than just a business venture—it is a mission to enhance the quality of life for elderly residents in their local area. By thoughtfully bridging gaps in support services and fostering a culture of assistance, they hope to make a lasting impact on how aging is both perceived and experienced in a more positive and empowering way.
Bridging generations with supportive communities
Seniors Helping Seniors® is dedicated to fostering intergenerational relationships that enrich the lives of both caregivers and care recipients. By connecting active and retired individuals, the program provides caregivers with a renewed sense of purpose while ensuring that seniors receiving care feel supported and valued.
These relationships are crucial for mental health and cognitive wellness, offering seniors opportunities to build friendships and share experiences. To further strengthen these bonds, the program includes support groups that encourage peer interaction, where older adults can discuss challenges and exchange advice in a safe and understanding space.
In-person and online gatherings provide participation options based on individual comfort levels. At the same time, educational resources and workshops focus on mental health and cognitive wellness, empowering seniors with tools for maintaining their well-being.
Cindy emphasized the importance of these community-driven efforts in combating isolation among seniors. “Loneliness is one of the biggest issues faced by aging individuals,” she said. “Our program offers a solution by building meaningful connections.”
A growing movement
Since launching earlier this year, the response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. “We’ve seen a lot of interest, especially among older adults looking for ways to stay involved and contribute,” Tom shared.
Looking ahead, Tom and Cindy aspire to expand their impact beyond their local community, with hopes of eventually enhancing senior care services across Arizona. Their overarching goal is to transform how society views aging, emphasizing the importance of maintaining purpose, dignity, and connection as individuals grow older.
