Friendships can make a tremendous impact on our lives. New friends can come in and change our lives for the better by providing emotional support when in-person visits aren’t easy. Making new friends and establishing new connections has never been easier thanks to our Ready to Care® pen pal program, which aims to connect people with lonely seniors to build meaningful friendships.
According to the relationship psychologist, Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener, friendships can have many benefits including improved self-confidence, a sense of belonging, and social support. This further shows that meaningful connections with others are a source of positivity and can help maintain our emotional and mental wellbeing.
If you’ve been wanting to establish a meaningful connection through letter-writing by becoming a pen pal and aren’t sure where to start, we’ve got some inspiration for you! Check out some great letter-writing examples below for some great ideas to start your next pen pal letter. Thousands of caring people have already connected with older adults through thoughtful letters.
1. Bond over a new hobby.
There’s never a bad time to try something new with a furry friend. One pen pal (and her cat!) shared her favorite hobbies.
Hi there,
I live with my cat and she keeps me company during these difficult times. My family lives in another country, but we FaceTime every day. Nonetheless, the quarantine can get lonely at times. During this time, I have learned the importance of God and family. For this, I thank the lord.
This lonely time has given me a chance to let go of toxic friendships and bad habits. I can truly say, I am learning the importance of every second. During this quarantine, I have fallen in love with reading. At the moment I am reading the Bible and I am reading a book called The Monk that Sold his Ferrari.
Have you found anything positive about this quarantine?
I look forward to your response.
2. Share your struggles.
Change is a constant at any age. One pen pal opens up about how she’s embracing a new chapter in her life.
Hi there,
I was in the Peace Corps teaching English until I was sent home due to the coronavirus. Since I’ve been home, I’ve had to reorientate my life some. I’m figuring out who I am and who I want to be. It’s been tough and I feel alone way more than I ever have. That’s why I wanted to write a letter to someone else, who’s maybe also feeling a bit isolated, and perhaps play a small role in making you feel less alone. I don’t plan on going back to teach, but I do want to go back and go trekking (hiking)! Do you have any fun traveling memories?
3. Ask for advice.
Who is better at giving life advice than someone who’s lived life to the brim? One pen pal uses his letter to reach out for career guidance from older adults.
Hello,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am a married father of two boys. I work as a supervisor in a case management program for a nonprofit that assists the homeless population. When not working I volunteer at my church and as a den leader for Cub Scouts.
I find as I am getting older and have children of my own that my priorities have changed. I want to make a difference to those around me in any way possible. I am tired of all the negativity in our world. I want people to know I care and for others to know they are not alone. Please know someone is thinking about you and praying for you. You are valued and needed and a treasure to this world.
4. Keep it simple.
Don’t overthink it! One pen pal shares a few ways she’s keeping busy in her day-to-day.
Dear Pen Pal,
I hope you’re having a good day today. We are having a heatwave here – way too hot. As a kid, I loved summer and was not bothered by the heat so much. Now I like it to be 75′ with a cool ocean breeze. Finally washed the car today, well I cheated and drove it through the car wash. I like to make crafts with my grandchildren. I have also been sewing masks and giving them away. I like keeping busy with small tasks every day that way it’s not overwhelming. I also like crosswords to keep my mind busy. I don’t stress if I don’t know the answer, it’s just a game. You know what? There are a lot of really nice people in this big world, I think you might be one of them. Take care.
While a long-distance friendship may be different than other relationships, the joy of connecting with someone new can be just as special. Become a pen pal today!
According to the relationship psychologist, Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener, friendships can have many benefits including improved self-confidence, a sense of belonging, and social support. This further shows that meaningful connections with others are a source of positivity and can help maintain our emotional and mental wellbeing.
If you’ve been wanting to establish a meaningful connection through letter-writing by becoming a pen pal and aren’t sure where to start, we’ve got some inspiration for you! Check out some great letter-writing examples below for some great ideas to start your next pen pal letter. Thousands of caring people have already connected with older adults through thoughtful letters.
1. Bond over a new hobby.
There’s never a bad time to try something new with a furry friend. One pen pal (and her cat!) shared her favorite hobbies.
Hi there,
I live with my cat and she keeps me company during these difficult times. My family lives in another country, but we FaceTime every day. Nonetheless, the quarantine can get lonely at times. During this time, I have learned the importance of God and family. For this, I thank the lord.
This lonely time has given me a chance to let go of toxic friendships and bad habits. I can truly say, I am learning the importance of every second. During this quarantine, I have fallen in love with reading. At the moment I am reading the Bible and I am reading a book called The Monk that Sold his Ferrari.
Have you found anything positive about this quarantine?
I look forward to your response.
2. Share your struggles.
Change is a constant at any age. One pen pal opens up about how she’s embracing a new chapter in her life.
Hi there,
I was in the Peace Corps teaching English until I was sent home due to the coronavirus. Since I’ve been home, I’ve had to reorientate my life some. I’m figuring out who I am and who I want to be. It’s been tough and I feel alone way more than I ever have. That’s why I wanted to write a letter to someone else, who’s maybe also feeling a bit isolated, and perhaps play a small role in making you feel less alone. I don’t plan on going back to teach, but I do want to go back and go trekking (hiking)! Do you have any fun traveling memories?
3. Ask for advice.
Who is better at giving life advice than someone who’s lived life to the brim? One pen pal uses his letter to reach out for career guidance from older adults.
Hello,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am a married father of two boys. I work as a supervisor in a case management program for a nonprofit that assists the homeless population. When not working I volunteer at my church and as a den leader for Cub Scouts.
I find as I am getting older and have children of my own that my priorities have changed. I want to make a difference to those around me in any way possible. I am tired of all the negativity in our world. I want people to know I care and for others to know they are not alone. Please know someone is thinking about you and praying for you. You are valued and needed and a treasure to this world.
4. Keep it simple.
Don’t overthink it! One pen pal shares a few ways she’s keeping busy in her day-to-day.
Dear Pen Pal,
I hope you’re having a good day today. We are having a heatwave here – way too hot. As a kid, I loved summer and was not bothered by the heat so much. Now I like it to be 75′ with a cool ocean breeze. Finally washed the car today, well I cheated and drove it through the car wash. I like to make crafts with my grandchildren. I have also been sewing masks and giving them away. I like keeping busy with small tasks every day that way it’s not overwhelming. I also like crosswords to keep my mind busy. I don’t stress if I don’t know the answer, it’s just a game. You know what? There are a lot of really nice people in this big world, I think you might be one of them. Take care.
While a long-distance friendship may be different than other relationships, the joy of connecting with someone new can be just as special. Become a pen pal today!
