We all love to be loved. There’s no getting around it. If anyone tells you differently, they’re just in need of . . . well, a good, long hug.

According to the United States Census Bureau, 28 percent of people 65 and older were widowed in 2010 and 27 percent lived alone. At the time of the 2010 census, there were 39.6 million Americans aged 65 and older.

These stats reveal the vast, potentially untapped opportunities to provide love and care this Valentine’s Day to any of 11 million older adults who are widowed or alone.

How can you share the love?

It’s simple. Look around you. You likely have neighbors, church members, nursing home residents and family (near and far) who could use a little encouragement.

Something as simple as a phone call, a casserole or a card could brighten someone’s day.

Nursing home facilities can get ideas at www.recreationtherapy.com for activities for their residents, which include crafts, singing telegrams and events.

This February 2016 Senior Activity Calendar, provides events for the whole month, including Valentine’s Day Bingo, a Groundhog’s Day breakfast and setting Leap Year goals on Leap Year day.

What’s most important during this holiday is to show you care. After all, it may be you, one day, in need of that good, long hug.

Qsource is devoted to making nursing homes better places to live for residents. Go to http://atomalliance.org/providers/nursing-homes/ to learn more.

Krista Creel, Marketing Specialist

Krista’s 14-year marketing experience covers the scope of retail, service, distribution and non-profit. She currently serves as Qsource Marketing Specialist dedicated to the nursing home and care coordination tasks, focused on quality improvement initiatives aimed at improving the health and care of Medicare beneficiaries.