Elderly woman sitting in chair at home happily reads written letter

Become a Pen Pal

Write a letter to a senior to brighten their day. You’ll create a meaningful connection that can put a stop to loneliness, and you may even make a friend for life.

Write a Letter Now

How it Works

Our pen pal program connects you with a senior to spread joy and help prevent senior social isolation and loneliness. Read our FAQs for more details.

Write a Letter

Enter your letter in the form below. You can even add a photo to help put a face to your kind words.
We Handle Delivery

Skip the stamps! After you click the submit button below, we’ll deliver your letter to our review team. Each letter is screened for safety and security before sending to a senior.
Stay Connected

Enter your email or mailing address below to keep in touch with your pen pal.

Get Started

Write Your Letter

Enter your letter in the form below, or upload a handwritten letter using the image upload button. You can even add a photo to help put a face to your kind words.

View sample letter

Pick a letter border:

Click here to write your letter...

Hello,

Hobbies you enjoy
Favorite movies, books or interests
A positive story
Upcoming plans for the weekend
Ask the senior to share a story, fact or opinion

Sincerely,

Your First Name

Upload an Image (Optional)

JPEG or PNG. Maximum size 2MB. Horizontal photos recommended.

First Name

Email Address

By entering your email address, you acknowledge and agree that your email address my be shared with a senior and the senior has the option to respond and write you back. We will not keep your email address for longer than is necessary. For further information, read the Privacy Policy.

Response letters are optional for seniors and cannot be guaranteed. We recommend requesting a response by mail to increase the likelihood a senior will send a return letter.

Name

Address

City

Postal Code

I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

I am at least 13 years old

I agree not to send or solicit inappropriate or unsafe information

The Ready to Care Pen Pal program is based in the United States. I hereby consent to the transfer of the personal data and/or information entered above to the United States for processing in accordance with the Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Home Instead® partners with seniors and organizations who support seniors to distribute letters to older adults. The identity of the senior you are writing to will be revealed only if you request a response letter and the senior chooses to respond with his or her name.

Would you like to get a letter?

Older adults age 65+ can request a pen pal letter by filling out our simple online form.

Request a Letter

Let's Work Together

We collaborate with volunteers and organizations throughout the U.S. and Canada to help write and deliver pen pal letters to lonely and isolated older adults.

Learn About Opportunities