Have you heard of Make a Wish? A non-profit that grants wishes to children ages 2.5 to 18 with a critical illness. Did you know there are similar non-profits that grant wishes for seniors? There are smaller non-profits and national non-profits to help grant wishes. STAGES is here to explore a few senior wish non-profits.

Elderly Wish Foundation

Elderly Wish Foundation is a non-profit that grants wishes to individuals 50 or older with severe or chronic illnesses living in Contra Costa County. Wishes can vary from getting medical equipment to providing transportation to a facility or having a relaxation day to escape the drudge of dealing with a medical condition. Anyone who meets the requirements can submit a completed Request Form, write a paragraph explaining your wish, have your primary medical provider complete a Physician’s Statement, and include a photo of yourself. Be sure to send the packet to:

An Elderly Wish Foundation
P.O. Box 4365
Antioch, CA 94531-4365

The Elderly Wish Foundation relies on donations to keep its programs going. Contributions can come from volunteering, money, or in-kind gifts.

Wish of a Lifetime

Wish of a Lifetime is a non-profit associated with AARP and provides wishes for older adults. The minimum qualifications are:

• Minimum age of 65
• Resides in the United States and its territories
• Unable to fulfill their wish on their own
• Capable of experiencing the wish
• The applicant can obtain approval from a doctor if necessary.

Anyone interested and meets the qualifications can apply. Wishes vary from commemorating services, fulfilling lifelong dreams, reconnecting loved ones, or renewing and celebrating passions. A Wish of a Lifetime wants older adults nationwide to reconnect with their communities, fulfill their passions, and help people live more vibrant and purposeful lives.

Wish of a Lifetime relies on donations. They are seeking volunteers, corporate sponsorships, and gift planning to keep their programs alive.

Twilight Wish

Twilight Wish grants seniors wishes for all they have done throughout their lives and shows them they are appreciated and a value to society. Every wish granted is to help build a culture that values and respects the senior population. Qualified recipients must meet the following requirements:

• Must be a minimum of 65 years of age or a permanent resident of an eldercare facility
• Legal United States citizenship
• An annual income of less than 200% of the current federal government published poverty level income (2023- $29,160 or less annual income for a household of one) or being unable to grant one’s wish (not including financial reasons). Proof of income is required.
• History of giving back to others (through service to our nation, community, or family)
• Must be cognitively and physically capable of communicating and experiencing the wish
• Physician documentation (when requested)

Twilight Wishes offers a variety of wishes, starting with simple needs such as food, clothing, and accessibility items such as walkers, wheelchairs, scooters, plus more. Wishes increase to Living Life to the Fullest, which includes riding a motorcycle or hot air balloon, attending a ballgame, or similar events. There are wishes for veterans to thank them for their years of service. Then there are celebrating life wishes for individuals in hospice with limited life expectancies or individuals 90 years of age and older. Finally, a new wish program called Tuesdays with Lori grants wishes in the name of Lori Radel.

Twilight Wishes relies on donations. They are looking for sponsors, volunteers, and anyone to start a new chapter to grant wishes for qualifying seniors in their community.

Senior Wishes

Contact any of these non-profits if you know an older adult who qualifies and could benefit from a wish. On the other hand, volunteers and donations supporting these wonderful programs are always needed, too.

STAGES lets you know what resources are available for anyone 65 and older.