Okay, I’ll admit it. When I first saw the headline about Stonington’s new volunteer program for seniors, I skimmed it. “Friendly visits,” “companionship,” yawn. Then I saw it: yardwork assistance. Yardwork assistance? Now you’ve got my attention.

Let’s be real, folks. We’re Generation X. We’ve spent decades mowing lawns, raking leaves, and battling the never-ending cycle of yard maintenance. The idea that someone else might actually volunteer to do that? That’s…intriguing.

This program in Stonington, Connecticut as reported by The Westerly Sun, pairs volunteers with seniors, offering everything from social interaction to practical help. And apparently, that help includes tackling those outdoor chores that become increasingly daunting as we age. It’s not just about the physical labor, either. It’s the mental load of knowing the weeds are taking over, or that the gutters need cleaning, and just not having the energy or ability to handle it.

For those of us in the sandwich generation, this resonates on a whole other level. We’re watching our parents navigate the challenges of aging, and we know firsthand how quickly those little tasks can pile up. And let’s be honest, asking your adult kids to come over and weed the flowerbeds every weekend isn’t always a sustainable solution.

This Stonington program, though, it’s a smart move. It’s not just about providing a service; it’s about building community. It’s about acknowledging that aging doesn’t mean losing your independence, but it might mean needing a little extra help now and then. And if that help comes with someone willing to tackle the overgrown rhododendrons? Well, that’s just a bonus.

It does make you wonder, though, how they screen these volunteers. Are they experienced with power tools? Do they know how to properly prune a rose bush? These are the questions that keep a Gen Xer up at night.

Still, the concept is solid. Maybe we should start a similar program in our own neighborhoods. After all, a little help with the yardwork could go a long way in making aging a bit less, well, grueling.