Raphael "Raph" Cahn of Sparta is 88 years old and still volunteers with the local senior center.

At 88, local man still volunteering to help others at the senior center

At the age of 88, Sparta resident Raphael "Raph" Cahn thinks of his age as merely a number and is not about to let it slow him down.

These days, the older gentleman is spending time volunteering with the local senior center delivering meals to homebound individuals, some of whom are younger than him.

A little over a year ago, Cahn was looking through the newspaper when he came across an ad for volunteers needed at the senior center for its Meals on Wheels program. Reading the ad, Cahn said to himself, "That doesn't sound like very hard work."

Driving his vehicle to an apartment complex, Cahn previously delivered meals to seven people. At the present time, the number is down to four. Other volunteers at the center prepare the meals, putting them in boxes and Cahn merely takes the box and takes it to the shut-in.

Cahn spoke briefly of making deliveries to those who are younger than himself.

"I don't look at them as being younger than I am," he stated. "I always feel like the people I'm with, I don't have any feeling of age. I'm glad I'm able to do it. I actually enjoy taking meals I just like the people. They're very friendly and I think they like me; they're my friends now. They have dogs and I like their dogs, their dogs are very friendly and they like me. It's a pleasure and I know it's doing some good."

Volunteers for Meals on Wheels are currently being sought. Cahn stated he would recommend any interested individuals to get involved with the program.

"The stuff is good," he commented. "It's beautiful food, I think you get a really fine meal."

The importance of volunteering "speaks for itself," Cahn continued. "If you think of yourself as house bound and nobody around to help you, it's really a blessing to have a meal delivered. I feel good doing it. Somebody's getting good out of this, it makes me feel good. They're a wonderful, friendly bunch."