BOSTON — Dozens of local seniors have found a way to stay involved with their communities while sharing their life experience with the next generation.
"This is what I do every day,” Miriam Manning said.
Every day Manning is up and out early; it’s the same routine she's kept for 20 years.
"It keeps me going,” she said. "It's better than sitting home in a rocking chair."
Not that Manning would have much time for that anyway. With her adult children, 11 grand-children and 13 great grand-children.
But when she walks into the Dorchester Head Start on Geneva Avenue, her family grows.
"This is Jesu, this is my little 4-month-old baby."
Manning is a volunteer foster grandparent. It's a program that connects local seniors with community children.
The program has been around 50 years and celebrates the benefits of keeping seniors involved with their community.
"If you're 91 and you're involved in something, you'll feel better,” Manning said.
It also allows the seniors to impart experience and affection to the next generation.
"It's intergenerational. Seniors working with children individually and many with special needs to really help and support their development," said Sharon Scott Chandler, with Action for Boston Community Development.
Chandler said at the same time it keeps elders engaged, some of whom have lost their spouses.
Several foster grandparents told FOX25 they get as much out of simple companionship as they give if not more.
"They need a hug, I need a hug that helps me in the mornings like I'm pretty sure it helps them too," said one foster grandmother.
Plus they have formed a new community of their own, one that exists out of their homes.
"Oh, if I could only take them all in and hug them, you know, that's what it is,” Manning said.
There's always a need for more foster grandparents - anyone who is 55 or older is welcome to volunteer.