Aging Ahead responds to the critical needs of older adults in St. Louis, St. Charles, Franklin, and Jefferson counties in many ways. The Friendly Caller Program was introduced last spring to help address social isolation among individuals in our service area. Trained volunteers are connected to an older adult for friendly phone conversations, providing ongoing socialization, connection, and an opportunity to make a new friend.
Meet Kevin, an Aging Ahead volunteer who fell in love with the Friendly Caller Program! Kevin cared for his mother and noticed that nothing gave her more comfort and happiness than simply calling and checking in on her regularly. “It felt good making her day and letting her know that someone cared for her. She lived alone, and sometimes I was the only person she talked to in a day.” After Kevin’s mother passed away, he felt driven to make a difference in the lives of other older adults struggling with loneliness. He reached out to Aging Ahead’ Volunteer Coordinator, Laura Conners and once trained, Kevin began calling three participants who now feel more connected to our community. “I really enjoy making the calls and connecting with my folks. It’s not a job or chore for me, I genuinely care, and my folks know that. The loneliness can really get to a person, so I’m just happy to help.”
Studies have shown that social isolation results in the same health risks as smoking 14 cigarettes daily. Not only are these calls “friendly”, but they can also help to improve a person’s quality of life!
The Friendly Caller Program has already made a big impact in the lives of our participants as shared by “C”, “It’s so good to hear a voice and it’s life affirming that I’m not forgotten. The Friendly Caller Program really helps reduce my isolation. To know someone cares means just everything to me.” If you are interested in the Friendly Caller Program, please email or call Laura at lconners@agingahead.org or (314) 413-4710.