From piano lessons to bomber plane flights, wish-granting groups reach out to nation’s elderly

For elderly, a different kind of ‘make a wish’

WATERBURY, Conn. — A growing number of senior citizens nationwide are getting their wishes granted by groups in the spirit of the Make-A-Wish Foundation for sick children.

The groups, often run by volunteers, are granting wishes to seniors that range from simple things like piano lessons to flights in war-era bomber planes.

Group founders in Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Tennessee and elsewhere say they usually focus on nursing home residents, homebound seniors and those who don’t have the money or ability to fulfill the wish themselves.

They’re careful not to call them “last” wishes, though. And, as one organizer says, the seniors don’t need to be sick to get their wish, since everyone dies eventually.