Good Neighbor Day on September 28, is a day dedicated to strengthening connections, overcoming isolation and building a stronger sense of community and belonging. That’s why FriendshipWorks is inviting you to help build communities where no one has to age alone.
Why does this matter?
According to the 2023 advisory from the former U.S. Surgeon General, there is an epidemic of social isolation and loneliness – and social connection is the antidote. It’s as essential to health and well-being as food, water and shelter. In addition, a recent study by the University of Michigan in 2024 found that more than one-third of adults ages 50-80 report feeling lonely. And just this year, the WHO (World Health Organization) released a report highlighting the widespread impacts of social isolation and loneliness on physical and mental health, and society at large.
What can you do?
Start by taking action to strengthen social bonds and improve well-being in your own neighborhood by using these 10 simple ways you can be a Good Neighbor!
1. Start with a simple smile and wave.
It’s not hard to be friendly with your neighbors. Initiating a conversation can open the door to a newfound friendship! Even a simple “hello” can make someone’s day.
“I now see how much it matters to reach out to someone, whether you’re the one seeking connection or wanting to show someone that they matter to you – it can make a big difference in someone’s life,” says Phillip Kong, a FriendshipWorks Friendly Visiting volunteer.
2. Share food, or a home-cooked dish.
Can you make an extra large lasagna? Or do you have an abundance of vegetables in your garden? Sharing a warm meal or home-grown vegetables is an easy and meaningful way to show appreciation and make a connection with a neighbor.
If you’re really ambitious and feel comfortable doing so, you can invite a neighbor or friend to cook up a dish with you, like FriendshipWorks Friendly Visiting volunteer Phillip and his match David. The two prepared a delicious meal of spaghetti and meatballs together at one of their weekly visits.
Whether it’s a savory dinner or a sweet dessert, sharing food helps people to connect and is a great way to show someone that you care.
3. Offer a helping hand.
Do you ever notice a neighbor struggling with a task? Let them know that you are available to help. Whether it’s raking leaves, carrying in groceries, or watering plants, acts of service demonstrate kindness and a commitment to being a good neighbor.
“Everyone should fill their tank with love, joy, and happiness, so much that it overflows,” says Musabwase “Moogie” Mugemana, a FriendshipWorks participant. “We should be in ‘sharing mode’ and spread love through acts of kindness.”
4. Start a neighborhood book/DVD/CD swap.
One way people are able to connect is through common interests, like books, magazines, movies, or music. Do you have an abundance that you would be willing to share? Simply leave a box or a sheltered shelf outside of your home where neighbors can take and leave books, magazines, DVDs, or CDs. Make a simple sign to let them know it’s there, or post on social media. Before you know it, you’ll start a neighborhood swap! Notice someone at the box? Venture out and start a conversation about your favorites.
When you have interests like these in common, you could be on your way to making a new friend. Friendly Visiting volunteer Cate Rosa and her match Philip Rouillard watch Dark Shadows together, a popular soap opera from the 1960s and one of Philip’s favorites. “Philip introduced me to the show, and now we always watch it together,” Cate says. “It has really helped us bond and get closer.”
5. Leave a hand-written note.
If you have felt the warmth that comes with receiving a hand-written note from a friend, you’ve experienced the comfort of knowing someone is thinking of you. Dropping off a hand-written note in your neighbor’s mailbox is a subtle way to let them know you care! You can write a quick “hello”, a thank you, or an inspirational quote to brighten their day. If you are comfortable, include your contact information to help you stay connected.
6. Plant something together.
You don’t need a “green thumb” to grow something special. Invite a neighbor to plant flowers, herbs, or veggies with you. Doing an activity with your neighbor is a great way to bond – and beautify the environment at the same time!
Moogie, a FriendshipWorks program participant, and her Friendly Visiting match Ellen often visit Moogie’s plot in a community garden to grow vegetables and herbs. The shared time outdoors gives them an opportunity to enjoy each other’s company and strengthen their friendship.
It can be very gratifying to see something grow, especially when you and a neighbor planted it together! And you get to taste the fruits (and vegetables) of your labor.
7. Gift a neighbor some handmade art.
Do you have a creative hobby, like doodling or knitting? You can show your neighbors that you care by making a piece of simple art for them. Painted rocks, a drawing, or homemade jewelry are all meaningful. Gifting something hand-crafted means more than any store-bought item possibly could. Make it special by personalizing it with their favorite colors or something that reminds you of them!
8. Celebrate life’s moments.
Did your neighbor just have a birthday? Did they welcome a new grandbaby, or celebrate an anniversary? Celebrate with them! The simple gesture of a “happy birthday,” some balloons, or a card goes a long way.
A FriendshipWorks Friendly Visiting volunteer recently had the opportunity to celebrate their friend’s 100th birthday. What a milestone!
9. Support and share local resources.
Being a good neighbor also means looking out for each other. If you know about helpful community resources, like FriendshipWorks, that could benefit your neighbors, pass along the information! You can also get involved by volunteering yourself!
- Reach out to the resident services coordinator in your nearest senior living community and see how you can help.
- Connect with neighborhood health organizations or local Councils on Aging and learn how they are working to combat social isolation and what you can do to assist them.
- Visit your local food pantry and volunteer to deliver meals or donate food.
- And if you live in the Greater Boston area, check out volunteer opportunities with FriendshipWorks!
Providing information about these resources to your neighbors can make a difference in their lives and help create a more informed and connected community.
10. Share these ideas!
The easiest way to be a Good Neighbor? Share these tips with a neighbor, post on your social media, or invite someone to try one with you. Friendship is contagious: the more people that participate, the stronger, healthier, and more connected your community becomes.
Located in Boston, MA FriendshipWorks is a nonprofit whose mission is to end elder isolation by fostering social connections between older adults and volunteers through its five programs: Friendly Visiting, Medical Escorts, MusicWorks, PetPals, and Friendly Helping. Our services are available in Boston, Brookline, Newton, Somerville, and Cambridge, but these ideas are universal and apply to all. Consider starting your own version of FriendshipWorks in your community to help create a world where no one has to age alone.
Interested in learning more about FriendshipWorks or would like to experience one of our programs?
Join FriendshipWorks and Goddard House Community Initiatives in celebrating Good Neighbor Day, International Day of Older Persons, and International Day of Music — all in one joyful evening at “Making Music, Making Connections” On September 30, 2025 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Newton Free Library, Newton, MA. For more information or to register visit: fw4elders.org/events
